Probability Function Homework: Solving Parts (d), (e) & (f)

AI Thread Summary
To solve parts (d), (e), and (f) of the probability function homework, the constant k is determined to be 0.25, ensuring the total probability sums to 1. For part (d), it is established that P(X1 + X2 = 5) equals 0 due to the maximum possible sum of X1 and X2 being 4. In part (e), the complete probability function for X1 + X2 can be derived by convolving the individual probability functions of X1 and X2. Finally, part (f) requires calculating the probability P(1.3 < X1 + X2 < 3.2), which involves evaluating the probabilities for the relevant sums. This structured approach facilitates understanding the behavior of the random variable X and its combinations.
aurao2003
Messages
122
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi
I am trying to solve the d, e and f parts of this problem

The discrete random variable X has probability function
where k is a positive constant.

P(X = x) ={k(2 – x), x = 0, 1, 2,
k(x – 2), x = 3,
0, otherwise,

(a) Show that k = 0.25.
(b) Find E(X) and show that E(X 2) = 2.5.
(c) Find Var(3X – 2).
Two independent observations X1 and X2 are made of X.
(d) Show that P(X1 + X2 = 5) = 0.
(e) Find the complete probability function for X1 + X2.
(f) Find P(1.3 < X1 + X2 < 3.2).

Not sure how to begin. Please help. The exam is tomorrow.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
For (a), what must be the answer if you sum P(X = x) over x = 0, 1, 2, 3?
 
I tried to combine those 2 formulas but it didn't work. I tried using another case where there are 2 red balls and 2 blue balls only so when combining the formula I got ##\frac{(4-1)!}{2!2!}=\frac{3}{2}## which does not make sense. Is there any formula to calculate cyclic permutation of identical objects or I have to do it by listing all the possibilities? Thanks
Since ##px^9+q## is the factor, then ##x^9=\frac{-q}{p}## will be one of the roots. Let ##f(x)=27x^{18}+bx^9+70##, then: $$27\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)^2+b\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)+70=0$$ $$b=27 \frac{q}{p}+70 \frac{p}{q}$$ $$b=\frac{27q^2+70p^2}{pq}$$ From this expression, it looks like there is no greatest value of ##b## because increasing the value of ##p## and ##q## will also increase the value of ##b##. How to find the greatest value of ##b##? Thanks
Back
Top