Math 600 Biostatistics

Handout: Binomial Distribution

Consider performing three trials in tossing a coin. Find the following:
P (3H) =________________ This experiment illustrates a random variable
leading to a binomial distribution.
P (2H 1T) =________________
P (1H 2T) =________________
P (3T) =________________
Binomial distribution: ( ) ( )
x n x
q p
x
n
x P

|
|
.
|

\
|
= , where q is 1 p.
Conditions: 1. There is a fixed number of trials (n) with two possible outcomes on each trial, success (p) and failure (q).
2. The probability of success remains constant from trial to trial.
3. The trials are independent to one another.
4. ( ) 1 x P
1 n
1 i
i
=

+
=
More examples:
1. On an exam with five items, 4 choices each. What is the probability of:
a) getting exactly 3?
b) getting at least 3?
c) getting 4 at most?
2. (Exercise 5.19 of Kuzma and Bohnenblust, p.89). If 25% of 11-year old children have no decayed, missing, or filled
(DMF) teeth, find the probability that in a sample of 20 children there will be:
a) exactly 3 with no DM Fteeth
b) 3 or more with no DMF teeth
c) fewer than 3 with no DMF teeth
d) exactly 5 with no DMF teeth
3. (Exercise 5.20 of Kuzma and Bohnenblust, p.89). It is known that approximately 10% of the population is
hospitaliezed at least once during a year. If 10 people in such a community are to be interviewed, what is the
probability that you will find
a) all have been hospitalized at least once during the year
b) 50% have been hospitalized
c) at least 3 have been hospitalized
d) exactly 3 have been hospitalized HW (in sheet):
Exercise 5.21 of page 89.