Probability and binomial distribution question

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The discussion centers around a binomial distribution problem with parameters n=10 and p=0.2. The user calculated the probability of X being at least 3 using the formula P(X>=3)=1-P(X<=2) and for at most 3 using the summation formula involving permutations. The user encountered an error resulting in a probability greater than 1 due to miscalculating the terms in the binomial formula, specifically the placement of x and n-x. The correct interpretation of permutations in the context of binomial distribution was also clarified.

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There was a question on the test with the following information (binomial distribution)

n=10
p=.2

Find the probability that X is :
a. At least 3
b. At most 3

For part a I did P(X>=3)=1-P(X<=2)

For part b I did P(X<=3) :
\sum_{x=0}^3 perm(n, x)*p^x*(1-p)^(n-x)

The last part is (1-p)^(n-x)
For part b, I got an answer that is greater than 1, what did I do wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Why are you using "perm?"
 
Disregard. How do you delete your posts? I pressed the delete button once I go to edit, but that doesn't do it...

Anyways, I got an answer of .7717.
 
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Perm meaning permutation. That's the formula for binomial distribution. Ksinclair, should I disregard your answer?
 
Probably :P

I know that moderators can delete posts, but I thought that you could also delete them yourself, or else my post wouldn't even be up there right now.

If perm (n, x) means n!/(x!(n-x)!), then my answer should be correct ;).
 
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Wow, this sucks. I wrote it out right on the paper but when I kept calculating I kept switching the x and n-x place so i had a greater answer. I can't believe this, I calculated it like 5 times on the test and still didn't realize the mistake!
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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