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Ch. 4 - Discrete Probability Distributions
Larson - Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World 8th Edition
Larson8th EditionElementary Statistics: Picturing the WorldISBN: 9780137493470Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 4, Problem 4.1.11

Graphical Analysis In Exercises 9–12, determine whether the graph on the number line represents a discrete random variable or a continuous random variable. Explain your reasoning.


The distance a baseball travels after being hit
Number line showing distances in feet, marked from 0 to 600, with points indicating specific distances.

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Step 1: Understand the concept of discrete and continuous random variables. A discrete random variable takes on a countable number of distinct values, while a continuous random variable can take on any value within a given range.
Step 2: Analyze the context of the problem. The distance a baseball travels after being hit is measured in feet, which can take on any value within a range (e.g., 0 to 600 feet). This suggests the variable is not limited to specific, countable values.
Step 3: Examine the graph provided. The number line shows a continuous range of distances, and there are no gaps or specific points that restrict the values the distance can take.
Step 4: Reason through the nature of the variable. Since the distance can be measured to any level of precision (e.g., 450.5 feet, 450.55 feet, etc.), it aligns with the definition of a continuous random variable.
Step 5: Conclude that the graph represents a continuous random variable because the distance a baseball travels can take on any value within the range, and it is not restricted to discrete, countable values.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Discrete Random Variable

A discrete random variable is one that can take on a countable number of distinct values. Examples include the number of students in a classroom or the number of goals scored in a game. In graphical representations, discrete variables are often depicted with distinct points or bars, indicating specific outcomes.
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Continuous Random Variable

A continuous random variable can take on an infinite number of values within a given range. This means it can represent measurements that can be subdivided infinitely, such as height, weight, or distance. Graphically, continuous variables are represented by a smooth line or curve, indicating that any value within the range is possible.
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Graphical Representation

Graphical representation is a visual way to display data, which helps in understanding the nature of the variable being analyzed. In the context of random variables, a number line can illustrate whether the variable is discrete (with distinct points) or continuous (with a continuous range). Analyzing the graph allows one to determine the type of random variable based on how the values are presented.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Finding and Interpreting Mean, Variance, and Standard Deviation In Exercises 31–36, find the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the binomial distribution for the given random variable. Interpret the results and determine any unusual values.


Life on Other Planets Seventy-nine percent of U.S. adults believe that life on other planets is plausible. You randomly select eight U.S. adults and ask them whether they believe that life on other planets is plausible. The random variable represents the number who believe that life on other planets is plausible. (Source: Ipsos)

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Textbook Question

Multinomial Experiments In Exercises 39 and 40, use the information below.

A multinomial experiment satisfies these conditions.

The experiment has a fixed number of trials n, where each trial is independent of the other trials.

Each trial has k possible mutually exclusive outcomes:

Each outcome has a fixed probability. So, . The sum of the probabilities for all outcomes is

The number of times occurs is , the number of times occurs is , the number of times occurs is , and so on.

The discrete random variable x counts the number of times that each outcome occurs in n independent trials where . The probability that x will occur is

Genetics According to a theory in genetics, when tall and colorful plants are crossed with short and colorless plants, four types of plants will result: tall and colorful, tall and colorless, short and colorful, and short and colorless, with corresponding probabilities of , and . Ten plants are selected. Find the probability that 5 will be tall and colorful, 2 will be tall and colorless, 2 will be short and colorful, and 1 will be short and colorless.

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Textbook Question

Determining a Missing Probability In Exercises 25 and 26, determine the missing probability for the probability distribution.

Textbook Question

"Using a Distribution to Find Probabilities In Exercises 11–26, find the indicated probabilities using the geometric distribution, the Poisson distribution, or the binomial distribution. Then determine whether the events are unusual. If convenient, use a table or technology to find the probabilities.


Typographical Errors A newspaper finds that the mean number of typographical errors per page is four. Find the probability that the number of typographical errors found on any given page is (a) exactly three, (b) at most three, and (c) more than three."

Textbook Question

Geometric Distribution: Mean and Variance In Exercises 29 and 30, use the fact that the mean of a geometric distribution is μ = 1/p and the variance is

sigma^2 = q/p^2

Paycheck Errors A company assumes that 0.5% of the paychecks for a year were calculated incorrectly. The company has 200 employees and examines the payroll records from one month. (a) Find the mean, variance, and standard deviation. (b) How many employee payroll records would you expect to examine before finding one with an error?

Textbook Question

Finding Binomial Probabilities In Exercises 19–26, find the indicated probabilities. If convenient, use technology or Table 2 in Appendix B.


Civil Rights Fifty-nine percent of U.S. adults think that civil rights for Black Americans have improved during their lifetime. You randomly select seven U.S. adults. Find the probability that the number who think that civil rights for Black Americans have improved during their lifetime is (a) exactly one and (b) exactly five. (Source: Gallup)

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