Random Variable - Mean and Variance

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the mean and variance of a random variable in the context of a roulette game, specifically focusing on the number of rounds resulting in odd numbers over 100 rounds. The scope includes theoretical understanding of random variables, probability, and statistical measures.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving a roulette game and seeks to calculate the mean and standard deviation of the number of odd results observed.
  • Another participant identifies that the number of odd results is a binomial random variable and suggests looking up relevant formulas.
  • A participant clarifies the probability of a single round resulting in an odd number and discusses the formulation of the expected value using the random variable.
  • There is a mention of the formula for standard deviation, but the participant expresses confusion about its derivation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the correct formulation of the expected value and standard deviation, and there is ongoing confusion regarding the application of binomial random variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the meaning of the random variable chosen and the appropriate application of formulas related to binomial distributions. There are unresolved questions about the derivation of the standard deviation formula presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about probability, random variables, and statistical measures in the context of games of chance or binomial distributions.

EEristavi
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Problem:

We play roulette in a casino. We watch 100 rounds that result in a number between 1 and 36. and count the number of rounds for which the result is odd.

assuming that the roulette is fair, calculate the mean and deviation

Solution:

I understand that the probability - Pr = 0.5. and mean - E[x] = 50. However, I can't figure out how to write it appropriately (use formula E[x] = ∑ x * Pr)

As I Understand, I must choose random variable x = 1, but don't quite understand the "true" meaning of it and why I can't choose other variable.

Moreover, I see from solutions that σs=√(100 * 0.5 * 0.5) = 5. However, I can't understand how we get this
 
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The number of odd results observed is a binomial random variable. Have you learned about those? If not, the wikipedia article explains them and gives formulas for the mean and standard deviation.
 
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EEristavi said:
I understand that the probability - Pr = 0.5.

The number 0.5 is the probability of the event that a single round will be odd. The question asks about different events. It asks about "the number of rounds for which the result is odd" in the 100 rounds. Letting X be that random variable, the possible outcomes for X are 0,1,2,...100.

I can't figure out how to write it appropriately (use formula E[x] = ∑ x * Pr)

Write it as:
(0) (probability 0 out of 100 rounds are odd) + (1)(probability 1 out of 100 rounds are odd) ... + (100)(probabiiity 100 out of 100 rounds are odd)

As @andrewkirk suggests, look up "binomial random variable" if you are unfamiliar with the expressions for these probabilities.
 
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Thank you both for your answers
 

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