4

CHAPTER
Discrete Probability Distributions

4
4.1 PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS
4.1 Try It Yourself Solutions
1a. (1) measured (2) counted

b. (1) The random variable is continuous because x can be any speed up to the maximum speed of a
space shuttle.
(2) The random variable is discrete because the number of calves born on a farm in one year is
countable.
2ab. c.
x f P(x)
0 16 0.16
1 19 0.19
2 15 0.15
3 21 0.21
4 9 0.09
5 10 0.10
6 8 0.08
7 2 0.02
n = 100
∑ P( x) = 1
3a. Each P(x) is between 0 and 1.

b. ∑ P( x) = 1
c. Because both conditions are met, the distribution is a probability distribution.
4a. (1) Yes, each outcome is between 0 and 1. (2) Yes, each outcome is between 0 and 1.
b. (1) Yes, ∑
P( x) = 1 . (2) Yes, ∑ P( x) = 1 .
c. (1) Is a probability distribution (2) Is a probability distribution.
5ab.
x P(x) xP(x)
0 0.16 (0)(0.16) = 0.00
1 0.19 (1)(0.19) = 0.19
2 0.15 (2)(0.15) = 0.30
3 0.21 (3)(0.21) = 0.63
4 0.09 (4)(0.09) = 0.36
5 0.10 (5)(0.10) = 0.50
6 0.08 (6)0.08 = 0.48
7 0.02 (7)(0.02) = 0.14
∑ P( x) = 1 ∑ xP ( x) = 2.60
c. µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.6
On average, a new employee makes 2.6 sales per day.
137
Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

138 CHAPTER 4 │ DISCRETE PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS
6ab. From 5, µ − 2.6,

x f x−µ (x − µ)2 P(x)(x − µ)2
0 0.16 −2.6 6.76 (0.16)(6.76) = 1.0816
1 0.19 −1.6 2.56 (0.19)(2.56) = 0.4864
2 0.15 −0.6 0.36 (0.15)(0.36) = 0.0540
3 0.21 0.4 0.16 (0.21)(0.16) = 0.0336
4 0.09 1.4 1.96 (0.09)(1.96) = 0.1764
5 0.10 2.4 5.76 (0.10)(5.76) = 0.5760
6 0.08 3.4 11.56 (0.08)(11.56) = 0.9248
7 0.02 4.4 19.36 (0.02)(19.36) = 0.3872
∑ P( x) = 1 ∑ P ( x)( x − µ )2 = 3.72
c. σ = σ = 3.72 ≈ 1.9
2
d. Most of the data valves differ from the mean by no more than 1.9 sales per day.
7ab.
Gain, x P(x) xP(x)
$1995 1 1995
2000 2000
$ 995 1 995
2000 2000
$ 495 1 495
2000 2000
$ 245 1 245
2000 2000
$ 95 1 95
2000 2000
1995 9975
$ −5 −
2000 2000
∑ P( x) = 1 ∑ xP ( x) ≈ −3.08
c. E(x) = ∑ xP( x) = −$3.08
d. Because the expected value is negative, you can expect to lose an average of $3.08 for each ticket
you buy.
4.1 EXERCISE SOLUTIONS
1. A random variable represents a numerical value associated with each outcome of a probability
experiment. Examples: Answers will vary.
2. A discrete probability distribution lists each possible value a random variable can assume,
together with its probability.
Condition 1: 0 ≤ P(x) ≤ 1
Condition 2: ∑
P( x) = 1

CHAPTER 4 │ DISCRETE PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS 139
3. No; Expected value may not be a possible value of x for one trial, but it represents the average
value of x over a large number of trials.
4. The mean of a probability distribution represent the “theoretical average” of a probability

experiment.
5. False. In most applications, discrete random variables represent counted data, while continuous
random variables represent measured data.
6. True
7. True
8. False. The expected value of a discrete random variable is equal to the mean of the random
variable.
9. Discrete, because attendance is a random variable that is countable.
10. Continuous, because length of time is a random variable that has an infinite number of possible
outcomes and cannot be counted.
11. Continuous, because the distance a baseball travels after being hit is a random variable that must
be measured.
12. Discrete, because the number of fatalities is a random variable that is countable.
13. Discrete, because the number of books in a university library is a random variable that is
countable.
14. Continuous, because the length of time it takes to get to work is a random variable that has an
infinite number of possible outcomes and cannot be counted.
15. Continuous, because the volume of blood drawn for a blood test is a random variable that must be
measured.
16. Discrete, because the number of tornadoes in the month of June in Oklahoma is a random
variable that is countable.
17. Discrete, because the number of measures that is posted each month on a social networking site is
a random variable that is countable.
18. Continuous, because the tension at which a randomly selected guitar’s strings have been strung is
a random variable that cannot be counted.
19. Continuous, because the amount of snow that fell in Nome, Alaska last winter is a random
variable that cannot be counted.
20. Discrete, because the total number of die rolls required to roll a 5 is a random variable that is
countable.

21. (a) P(x > 2) = 0.25 + 0.10 = 0.35

(b) P(x < 4) = 1 − P(4) = 1 − 0.10 = 0.90
22. (a) P(x > 1) = 1 − P(x < 2) = 1 − (0.30 + 0.25) = 0.45

(b) P(x < 3) = 0.30 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 0.80
23. ∑ P( x) = 1 → P(3) = 0.22 24. ∑ P( x) = 1 → P(1) = 0.15

25. Because each P(x) is between 0 and 1, and ∑ P( x) = 1, the distribution is a probability
distribution.
26. No, ∑ P( x) = 0.97.

27. (a)
x f P(x)
0 1491 0.686
1 425 0.195
2 168 0.077
3 48 0.022
4 29 0.013
5 14 0.006
n = 2175 ∑ P( x) ≈ 1
(b)
Skewed right
(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 −0.497 0.247 0.169
0.195 0.503 0.253 0.049
0.154 1.503 2.259 0.174
0.066 2.503 6.265 0.138
0.052 3.503 12.271 0.160
0.030 4.503 20.277 0.122
∑ xP ( x) = 0.497 ∑ ( x − µ )2 P ( x) = 0.812

µ = ∑ xP( x) = 0.497 ≈ 0.5

σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P( x) = 0.812 ≈ 0.8
σ = σ 2 = 0.812 ≈ 0.9
(d) The mean is 0.5, so the average number of dogs per household is about 0 or 1 dog. The
standard deviation is 0.9, so most of the households differ from the mean by no more than 1
dog.
28. (a)
x f P(x)
4 20 0.190
5 23 0.219
6 23 0.219
7 36 0.343
8 3 0.029
n = 105
∑ P( x) = 1
(b)
Skewed left
(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0.760 −1.802 3.247 0.617
1.095 −0.802 0.643 0.141
1.314 0.198 0.039 0.009
2.401 1.198 1.435 0.492
0.232 2.198 4.831 0.140
∑ xP ( x) = 5.802 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.399
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 5.802 ≈ 5.8
σ = ∑ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 1.399 ≈ 1.4
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 1.399 ≈ 1.2
(d) The mean is 5.8, so the average number of games played per World Series was about 6. The
standard deviation is 1.2, so most of the World Series differed from the mean by no more
than about 1 game.

29. (a)
x f P(x)
0 26 0.01
1 442 0.17
2 728 0.28
3 1404 0.54
n = 2600 ∑ P( x) = 1
(b)
Skewed left
(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0.00 −2.35 5.523 0.055
0.17 −1.35 1.823 0.310
0.56 −0.35 0.123 0.034
1.62 0.65 0.423 0.228
∑ xP ( x) = 2.35 ∑ ( x − µ )2 P ( x) = 0.627
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.35 ≈ 2.4
σ = ∑ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 0.627 ≈ 0.6
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 0.627 ≈ 0.8
(d) The mean is 2.4, so the average household in the town has about 2 televisions. The standard
deviation is 0.8, so most of the households differ from the mean by no more than 1 television.
30. (a)
x f P(x)
0 95 0.250
1 113 0.297
2 87 0.229
3 64 0.168
4 13 0.034
5 8 0.021
n = 380 ∑ P( x) ≈ 1

(b)
Skewed right
(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 −1.5 2.25 0.563
0.297 −0.5 0.25 0.074
0.458 0.5 0.25 0.057
0.504 1.5 2.25 0.378
0.136 2.5 6.25 0.213
0.105 3.5 12.25 0.257
∑ xP ( x) = 1.5 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.542
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 1.5
σ = ∑ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 1.542 ≈ 1.5
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 1.542 ≈ 1.2
(d) The mean is 1.5, so the average batch of camping chairs has about 1 or 2 defects. The
standard deviation is 1.2, so most of the batches differ from the mean by no more than about
1 defect.
31. (a)
x f P(x)
0 6 0.031
1 12 0.063
2 29 0.151
3 57 0.297
4 42 0.219
5 30 0.156
6 16 0.083
n = 192 ∑ P( x) = 1
(b)
Approximately symmetric

(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 −3.41 11.628 0.360
0.063 −2.41 5.808 0.366
0.302 −1.41 1.988 0.300
0.891 −0.41 0.168 0.050
0.876 −0.59 0.348 0.076
0.780 1.59 2.528 0.394
0.498 2.59 6.708 0.557
∑ xP ( x) = 3.410 ∑ ( x − µ )2 P ( x) = 2.103
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 3.410 ≈ 3.4
σ = ∑ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 2.103 ≈ 2.1
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 2.103 ≈ 1.5
(d) The mean is 3.4, so the average employee worked 3.4 hours of overtime. The standard
deviation is 1.5, so the overtime worked by most of the employees differed from the mean by
no more than 1.5 hours.
32. (a)
x f P(x)
0 19 0.059
1 39 0.122
2 52 0.163
3 57 0.178
4 68 0.213
5 41 0.128
6 27 0.084
7 17 0.053
n = 320
∑ P( x) = 1
(b)

(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 −3.349 11.216 0.662
0.122 −2.349 5.518 0.673
0.326 −1.349 1.820 0.297
0.534 −0.349 0.122 0.022
0.852 0.651 0.424 0.090
0.640 1.651 2.726 0.349
0.504 2.651 7.028 0.590
0.371 3.651 13.330 0.706
∑ xP ( x) = 3.349 ∑ ( x − µ )2 P ( x) = 3.389
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 3.349 ≈ 3.3
σ = ∑ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 3.389 ≈ 3.4
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 3.389 ≈ 1.8
(d) The mean is 3.3, so the average student is involved in about 3 extracurricular activities. The
standard deviation is 1.8, so most of the students differ from the mean by no more than about
2 activities.
33. An expected value of 0 means that the money gained is equal to the spent, representing the
breakeven point.
34. A “fair bet” in a game of chance has an expected value of 0, which means that the chances of
losing are equal to the chances of winning.
35.
x P(x) xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 0.02 0.00 −5.30 28.09 0.562
1 0.02 0.02 −4.30 18.49 0.370
2 0.06 0.12 −3.30 10.89 0.653
3 0.06 0.18 −2.30 5.29 0.317
4 0.08 0.32 −1.30 1.69 0.135
5 0.22 1.10 −0.30 0.09 0.020
6 0.30 1.80 0.70 0.49 0.147
7 0.16 1.12 1.70 2.89 0.462
8 0.08 0.64 2.70 7.29 0.583
∑ xP ( x) = 5.30 ∑ ( x − µ )2 P ( x) = 3.249
(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 5.3 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) P( x) = 3.249 ≈ 3.3

2
(c) σ = σ 2 = 3.249 ≈ 1.9 (d) E ( x) = µ = ∑ xP ( x) = 5.3

(e) The expected value is 5.3, so an average student is expected to answer about 5 questions
correctly. The standard deviation is 1.9, so most of the student’s quiz results differ from the
expected value by no more than about 2 questions.

36.
x P(x) xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 0.01 0 −3.02 9.120 0.091
1 0.10 0.10 −2.02 4.080 0.408
2 0.26 0.52 −1.02 1.040 0.270
3 0.33 0.99 −0.02 0.0004 0.000132
4 0.18 0.72 0.98 0.960 0.173
5 0.06 0.30 1.98 3.920 0.235
6 0.03 0.18 2.98 8.880 0.266
7 0.03 0.21 3.18 15.840 0.475
∑ xP ( x) = 3.02 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.918
(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 3.02 ≈ 3.0 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

P ( x) = 1.918 ≈ 1.9
(c) σ = σ 2 = 1.918 ≈ 1.4 (d) E ( x) = µ = 3.0
(e) The expected value is 3.0, so in an average hour the expected number of calls is 3. The
standard deviation is 1.4, so the number of calls for most of the hours should differ from the
expected value by no more than about 1 or 2 calls.
37.
x P(x) xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
1 0.392 0.392 −1.04 1.082 0.424
2 0.265 0.530 −0.04 0.002 0.001
3 0.269 0.807 0.96 0.922 0.248
4 0.064 0.256 1.96 3.842 0.246
5 0.011 0.055 2.96 8.762 0.096
∑ xP ( x) = 2.04 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.015
(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.04 ≈ 2.0 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

P ( x) = 1.015 ≈ 1.0
(c) σ = σ 2 = 1.015 ≈ 1.0 (d) E ( x) = µ = 2.0
(e) The expected value is 2.0, so an average hurricane that hits the U.S. mainland is expected to
be a category 2 hurricane. The standard deviation is 1.0, so most of the hurricanes differ from
the expected value by no more than 1 category level.
38.
x P(x) xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
1 0.555 0.555 −0.697 0.486 0.270
2 0.298 0.596 0.303 0.092 0.027
3 0.076 0.228 1.303 1.698 0.129
4 0.047 0.188 2.303 5.304 0.249
5 0.014 0.070 3.303 10.910 0.153
6 0.010 0.060 4.303 18.516 0.185
∑ xP ( x) = 1.697 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.013
(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 1.697 ≈ 1.7 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

P ( x) = 1.013 ≈ 1.0
(c) σ = σ 2 = 1.013 ≈ 1.0 (d) E ( x) = µ = 1.7

(e) The expected value is 1.7, so an average car crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is expected
to have either 1 or 2 people in it. The standard deviation is 1.0, so most of the car occupancies
differ from the expected value by no more than 1 occupant.
39.
x P(x) xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
1 0.275 0.275 −1.491 2.223 0.611
2 0.332 0.664 −0.491 0.241 0.080
3 0.159 0.447 0.509 0.259 0.041
4 0.136 0.544 1.509 2.277 0.310
5 0.063 0.315 2.509 6.295 0.397
6+ 0.036 0.216 3.509 12.313 0.443
∑ xP ( x) = 2.491 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.882
(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.491 ≈ 2.5 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

P( x) = 1.882 ≈ 1.9
(c) σ = σ 2 = 1.882 ≈ 1.4 (d) E ( x) = µ = 2.5
(e) The expected value is 2.5, so an average household is expected to have either 2 or 3 people.
The standard deviation is 1.4, so most of the household sites differ from the expected value
by no more than 1 or 2 people.
40.
x P(x) xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 0.29 0 −1.59 2.528 0.733
1 0.25 0.25 −0.59 0.348 0.087
2 0.17 0.34 0.41 0.168 0.029
3 0.16 0.48 1.41 1.988 0.318
4 0.13 0.52 2.41 5.808 0.755
∑ xP ( x) = 1.59 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.922
(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 1.59 ≈ 1.6 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

P( x) = 1.922 ≈ 1.9
(c) σ = σ 2 = 1.922 ≈ 1.4 (d) E ( x) = µ = 1.6
(e) The expected value is 1.6, so an average household is expected to have either 1 or 2 cars. The
standard deviation is 1.4, so most of the households differ from the expected value by no
more than 1 or 2 cars.
41. (a) P(x < 2) = 0.686 + 0.195 = 0.881

(b) P(x ≥ 1) = 1 − P(x = 0) = 1 − 0.686 = 0.314
(c) P(1 ≤ x ≤ 3) = 0.195 + 0.077 + 0.022 = 0.294
42. (a) P(x = 4) = 0.190

(b) P(x ≥ 5) = 1 − P(x = 4) = 1 − 0.190 = 0.810
(c) P(4 ≤ x ≤ 6) = 0.190 + 0.219 + 0.019 = 0.628
43. A household with three dogs is unusual because the probability of this event is 0.022, which is
less than or equal to 0.05.

44. A World Series in which eight games were played is unusual because the probability of this event
is 0.029, which is less than 0.05.
⎛ 37 ⎞ ⎛1 ⎞
45. E(x) = µ = ∑ xP( x) = (−$1) ⋅ ⎜⎝ 38 ⎟⎠ + ($35) ⋅ ⎜⎝ 38 ⎟⎠ ≈ −$0.05
46. E(x) = µ = ∑ xP( x)
⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ 20 ⎞ ⎛ 5978 ⎞
= ($3445) ⋅ ⎜ ⎟ + ($745) ⋅ ⎜ ⎟ + ($20) ⋅ ⎜ ⎟ + (−$5) ⋅ ⎜ ≈ −$4.22
⎝ 6000 ⎠ ⎝ 6000 ⎠ ⎝ 6000 ⎠ ⎝ 6000 ⎟⎠
47. (a)
x P(x)
0 0.432
1 0.403
2 0.137
3 0.029
∑ xP ( x) = 1
(b) Skewed right
48. (a)
x P(x)
1 0.128
2 0.124
3 0.124
4 0.122
5 0.123
6 0.125
7 0.127
8 0.128
∑ xP ( x) = 1

(b) Approximately uniform
49. µ x = a + bµ x = 1000 + 1.05(36,000) = $38,800
50. σ y = b σ x = (1.04)(3899) = $4054.96
51. µ x + y = µ x + µ y = 1524 + 1496 = 3020

µ x − y = µ x − µ y = 1524 − 1496 = 28
52. σ x2− y = σ x2 + σ 2y = (317) 2 + (307) 2 = 194,738 ⇒ σ x − y = σ x2− y = 441.29
4.2 BINOMIAL DISTRIBUTIONS
1a. Trial answering a question

Success: the question answered correctly
b. Yes, the experiment satisfies the four conditions of a binomial experiment.
c. It is a binomial experiment.
n = 10, p = 0.25, q = 0.75, x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
2a. Trial: drawing a card with replacement

Success: card drawn is a club
Failure: card drawn is not a club
b. n = 5, p = 0.25, q = 0.75, x = 3
5!
c. P(3) = (0.25)3 (0.75)2 ≈ 0.088
(5 − 3)!3!
3a. Trial: Selecting an adult and asking a question

Success: selecting an adult who likes texting because it works where talking won’t do
Failure: selecting an adult who does not like texting because it works where talking won’t do
b. n = 7, p = 0.75, q = 0.25, x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

c. P(0) = 7 C0 (0.75)0 (0.25)7 ≈ 0.00006

P(1) = 7 C1 (0.75)1 (0.25)6 ≈ 0.00128
P(2) = 7 C2 (0.75) 2 (0.25)5 ≈ 0.01154
P(3) = 7 C3 (0.75)3 (0.25)4 ≈ 0.05768
P(4) = 7 C4 (0.75)4 (0.25)3 ≈ 0.17303
P(5) = 7 C5 (0.75)5 (0.25)2 ≈ 0.31146
P(6) = 7 C6 (0.75)6 (0.25)1 ≈ 0.31146
P(7) = 7 C7 (0.75)7 (0.25)0 ≈ 0.13348
d.
x P(x)
0 0.00006
1 0.00128
2 0.01154
3 0.05768
4 0.17303
5 0.31146
6 0.31146
7 0.13348
∑ xP ( x) = 1
4a. n = 250, p = 0.71, x = 178

b. P(178) ≈ 0.056
c. The probability that exactly 178 people from a random sample of 250 people in the United States
will use more than one topping on their hot dog is about 0.056.
d. Because 0.056 is not less than or equal to 0.05, this event is not unusual.
5a. (1) x = 2 (2) x = 2, 3, 4, or 5 (3) x = 0 or 1

b. (1) P(2) = 5 C2 (0.21) (0.79) ≈ 0.217
2 3
(2) P(1) = 5 C1 (0.21)1 (0.79)4 ≈ 0.409

P(x ≥ 2) = 1 − P(0) − P(1) ≈ 1 − 0.308 − 0.409 = 0.283
or
P(x ≥ 2) = P(2) + P(3) + P(4) + P(5)
≈ 0.217 + 0.058 + 0.008 + 0.0004
≈ 0.283
(3) P(x < 2) = P(0) + P(1) ≈ 0.308 + 0.409 = 0.717
c. (1) The probability that exactly two of the five men consider fishing their favorite
leisure-time activity is about 0.217.
(2) The probability that at least two of the five men consider fishing their favorite leisure-
time activity is about 0.283.
(3) The probability that fewer than two of the five men consider fishing their favorite
leisure-time activity is about 0.717.

6a. Trial: Selecting a business and asking if it has a website

Success: Selecting a business with a website
Failure: Selecting a business without a website
b. n = 10, p = 0.55, x = 4
c. P(4) ≈ 0.160
d. The probability of randomly selecting 10 small businesses and finding exactly 4 that have
a website is 0.160.
e. Because 0.160 is not less than or equal to 0.05, this event is not unusual.
7a. P(0) = 4 C0 (0.81)0 (0.19) 4 ≈ 0.001

P(1) = 4 C1 (0.81)1 (0.19)3 ≈ 0.022
P(2) = 4 C2 (0.81)2 (0.19) 2 ≈ 0.142
P(3) = 4 C3 (0.81)3 (0.91)1 ≈ 0.404
P(4) = 4 C4 (0.81)4 (0.19)0 ≈ 0.430
b.
x P(x)
0 0.001
1 0.022
2 0.142
3 0.404
4 0.430
c.
Skewed left
d. Yes, it would be unusual if exactly zero or exactly one of the four households owned a computer,
because each of these events has a probability that is less than 0.05.
8a. Success: selecting a clear day

n = 31, p = 0.44, q = 0.56
b. µ = np = (31)(0.44) ≈ 13.6
c. σ 2 = npq = (31)(0.44)(0.56) ≈ 7.6
d. σ = npq = (31)(0.44)(0.56) ≈ 2.8
e. On average, there are about 14 clear days during the month of May. The standard deviation is
about 3 days.
f. Values that are more than 2 standard deviations from the mean are considered unusual. Because
13.6 − 2(2.8) = 8 and 13.6 + 2(2.8) = 19.2, a May with fewer than 8 clear days, or more than 19
clear days would be unusual.

1. Each trial is independent of the other trials if the outcome of one trial does not affect the outcome
of any of the other trials.
2. The random variable measures the number of successes in n trials.
3. (a) p = 0.50 (graph is symmetric)

(b) p = 0.20 (graph is skewed right → p < 0.5)
(c) p = 0.80 (graph is skewed left → p > 0.5)
4. (a) p = 0.75 (graphs is skewed left → p > 0.5)

(b) p = 0.50 (graph is symmetric)
(c) p = 0.25 (graph is skewed right →p < 0.5)
5. (a) n = 12 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)

(b) n = 4 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4)
(c) n = 8 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
As n increases, the distribution becomes more symmetric.
6. (a) n = 10 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
(b) n = 15 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
(c) n = 5 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
As n increases, the distribution becomes more symmetric.
7. (a) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 (b) 0 (c) 0, 1, 2, 8
8. (a) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15 (c) 0, 1
9. It is a binomial experiment.
Success: baby recovers
n = 5, p = 0.80, q = 0.20, x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Success: person does not make a purchase
n = 18, p = 0.74, q = 0.26, x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Success: Selecting an officer who is postponing or reducing the amount of vacation
n = 20, p = 0.31, q = 0.69, x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
12. Not a binomial experiment because the probability of a success is not the same for each trial.
13. µ = np = (50)(0.4) = 20 14. µ = np = (84)(0.65) = 54.6

σ 2 = npq = (50)(0.4)(0.6) = 12 σ 2 = npq = (84)(0.65)(0.35) = 19.1
σ = npq = (50)(0.4)(0.6) ≈ 3.5 σ = npq = (84)(0.65)(0.35) ≈ 4.4

15. µ = np = (124)(0.26) = 32.2 16. µ = np = (316)(0.82) = 259.1

σ = npq = (124)(0.26)(0.74) = 23.9
2
σ 2 = npq = (316)(0.82)(0.18) = 46.6
σ = npq = (124)(0.26)(0.74) ≈ 4.9 σ = npq = (316)(0.82)(0.18) ≈ 6.8
17. n = 5, p = 0.25
(a) P(3) ≈ 0.088
(b) P(x ≥ 3) = P(3) + P(4) + P(5) ≈ 0.088 + 0.015 + 0.001 = 0.104
(c) P(x < 3) = 1 − P(x ≥ 3) ≈ 1 − 0.104 = 0.896
18. n = 7, p = 0.7
(a) P(5) ≈ 0.318
(b) P(x ≥ 5) = P(5) + P(6) + P(7) ≈ 0.318 + 0.247 + 0.082 = 0.647
(c) P(x < 5) = 1 − P(x ≥ 5) ≈ 1 − 0.647 = 0.353
19. n = 10, p = 0.59

(a) P(8) ≈ 0.111
(b) P(x ≥ 8) = P(8) + P(9) + P(10) ≈ 0.111 + 0.036 + 0.005 = 0.152
(c) P(x < 8) = 1 − P(x ≥ 8) ≈ 1 − 0.152 = 0.848
20. n = 12, p = 0.1

(a) P(4) ≈ 0.021
(b) P(x ≥ 4) = 1 − P(x < 4) = 1 − P(0) − P(1) − P(2) − P(3)
≈ 1 − 0.282 − 0.377 − 0.230 − 0.085 = 0.026
(c) P(x < 4) = 1 − P(x ≥ 4) ≈ 1 − 0.026 = 0.974
21. n = 8, p = 0.55
(a) P(5) ≈ 0.257
(b) P(x > 5) = P(6) + P(7) + P(8) ≈ 0.157 + 0.055 + 0.008 = 0.220
(c) P(x ≤ 5) = 1 − P(x > 5) ≈ 1 − 0.220 = 0.780
22. n = 20, p = 0.7

(a) P(1) ≈ 1.627 × 10−9
(b) P(x > 1) = 1 − P(x ≤ 1) = 1 − P(0) − P(1)
≈ 1 − 3.487 × 10−11 − 1.627 × 10−9 ≈ 0.9999999983
(c) P(x ≤ 1) = P(0) + P(1) ≈ 3.487 × 10−11 + 1.627 × 10−9 ≈ 1.662 × 10−9
23. n = 14, p = 0.43

(a) P(5) ≈ 0.187
(b) P(x ≥ 6) = 1 − P(x ≤ 5)
= 1 − (P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4) + P(5)
≈ 1 − (0.0004 + 0.004 + 0.020 + 0.060) + 0.124 + 0.187)
≈ 0.605
(c) P(x ≤ 3) = P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) ≈ 0.0004 + 0.004 0.020 + 0.060 ≈ 0.084

24. n = 10, p = 0.14

(a) P(2) ≈ 0.264
(b) P(x > 6) = P(7) + P(8) + P(9) + P(10)
≈ 8.046 × 10−5 + 4.912 × 10−6 + 1.777 × 10−7 + 2.893 × 10−9
≈ 8.555 × 10−5
(c) P(x ≤ 5)= P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4) + P(5)
≈ 0.221 + 0.360 + 0.264 + 0.115 + 0.033 + 0.006
= 0.999
25. n = 10, p = 0.28

(a) P(2) ≈ 0.255
(b) P(x > 2) = 1 − P(x ≤ 2) = 1 − (P(0) + P(1) + P(2))
≈ 1 − (0.037 + 0.146 + 0.255)
≈ 0.562
(c) P(x ≤ 2 ≤ 5) = P(2) + P(3) + P(4) + P(5)
≈ 0.255 + 0.264 + 0.180 + 0.084
= 0.783
26. n = 12, p = 0.25

(a) P(4) ≈ 0.194
(b) P(x > 4) = 1 − P(x ≤ 4)
= 1 − (P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4))
≈ 1 − (0.032 + 0.127 + 0.232 + 0.258 + 0.194)
≈ 0.157
(c) P(4 ≤ x ≤ 8) = P(4) + P(5) + P(6) + P(7) + P(8)
≈ 0.194 + 0.103 + 0.040 + 0.011 + 0.002
= 0.350
27. (a) n = 6, p = 0.63 (b)

x P(x)
0 0.003
1 0.026
2 0.112
3 0.253
4 0.323
5 0.220
6 0.063
Skewed left
(c) µ = np = (6)(0.63) ≈ 3.8
σ 2 = npq = (6)(0.63)(0.37) ≈ 1.4
σ = npq = (6)(0.63)(0.37) ≈ 1.2
(d) On average, 3.8 out of 6 adults are visiting the dentist less because of the economy. The
standard deviation is 1.2, so most samples of 6 adults would differ from the mean by no more
than 1.2 people The values x = 0 and x = 1 would be unusual because their probabilities are
less an 0.05.

28. (a) n = 5, p = 0.25 (b)

x P(x)
0 0.237
1 0.396
2 0.264
3 0.088
4 0.015
5 0.001
Skewed right
(c) µ = np = (5)(0.25) ≈ 1.3
σ 2 = npq = (5)(0.25)(0.75) ≈ 0.9
σ = npq = (5)(0.25)(0.75) ≈ 1.0
(d) On average, 1.3 adults out of 5 have no trouble sleeping at night. The standard deviation is
1.0 adults, so most samples of 5 adults would differ from the mean by no more than 1 person.
The values x = 4 and x = 5 would be unusual because their probabilities are less than
0.05.
29. (a) n = 4, p = 0.05 (b)
x P(x)
0 0.814506
1 0.171475
2 0.013538
3 0.000475
4 0.000006
Skewed right
(c) µ = np = (4)(0.05) ≈ 0.2
σ 2 = npq = (4)(0.05)(0.95) ≈ 0.2
σ = npq = (4)(0.05)(0.95) ≈ 0.4
(d) On average, 0.2 eligible adults out of every 4 gives blood. The standard deviation is 0.4, so
most sample of 4 eligible adults would differ from the mean by at most 0.4 adult. The values
x = 2, x = 3, or x = 4 would be unusual because their probabilities are less than 0.05.
30. (a) n = 5, p = 0.39 (b)
x P(x)
0 0.084
1 0.270
2 0.345
3 0.221
4 0.071
5 0.009
Skewed right
(c) µ = np = (5)(0.39) ≈ 2.0
σ 2 = npq = (5)(0.39)(0.61) ≈ 1.2
σ = npq = (5)(0.35)(0.61) ≈ 1.1

(d) On average, 2.0 adults out of 5 have O+ blood. The standard deviation is 1.1, so most
samples of 5 adults would differ from the mean by at most 1.1 adults. The value x = 5 would
be unusual because the probability is less than 0.05.
31. (a) n = 6, p = 0.37

x P(x)
0 0.063
1 0.220
2 0.323
3 0.253
4 0.112
5 0.026
6 0.003
(b) P(x = 2) ≈ 0.323
(c) P(x ≥ 5) = P(x = 5) + P(x = 6) ≈ 0.026 + 0.003 = 0.029
32. (a) n = 5, p = 0.48

x P(x)
0 0.038
1 0.175
2 0.324
3 0.299
4 0.138
5 0.025
(b) P(x = 2) ≈ 0.324
(c) P(x < 4) = 1 − P(x ≥ 4) = 1 − P(x = 4) − P(x = 5)
≈ 1 − 0.138 − 0.025
= 0.837
33. n = 6, p = 0.37, q = 0.63

µ = np = (6)(0.37) ≈ 2.2
σ = npq = (6)(0.37)(0.63) ≈ 1.2
On average, 2.2 out of 6 travelers would name “crying kids” as the most annoying. The standard
deviation is 1.2, so most samples of 6 travelers would differ from the mean by at most 1.2
travelers. The values x = 5 and x = 6 would be unusual because their probabilities are less than
0.05.
34. n = 5, p = 0.48, q = 0.52

µ = np = (5)(0.48) ≈ 2.4
σ = npq = (5)(0.48)(0.52) ≈ 1.1
On average, 2.4 out of 5 owners would name financial management as the skill they want to
develop further. The standard deviation is 1.1, so most samples of 5 owners would differ from the
mean by at most 1.1 owners. The values x = 0 and x = 5 would be unusual because their
probabilities are less than 0.05.
35. (a) P(x = 9) ≈ 0.081

(b) P(x ≥ 7) ≈ 0.541
(c) P(x ≤ 3) ≈ 0.022; This event is unusual because its probability is less than 0.05.

36. (a) P(x = 4) ≈ 0.270

(b) P(x ≥ 5) ≈ 0.431
(c) P(x < 2) ≈ 0.024; This event is unusual because its probability is less than 0.05.
5 2 2 1
10! ⎛ 9 ⎞ ⎛ 3 ⎞ ⎛ 3 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞
37. P(5, 2, 2, 1) = ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.033
5!2!2!1! ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎝ 16 ⎠
5 2 2 1
10! ⎛ 5 ⎞ ⎛ 4 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ 6 ⎞
38. P(5, 2, 2, 1) = ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.002
5!2!2!1! ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎝ 16 ⎠
4.3 MORE DISCRETE PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS
1a. P(1) = (0.74)(0.26)0 ≈ 0.74

P(2) = (0.74)(0.26)0 ≈ 0.192
b. P(shot made before third attempt) = P(1) + P(2) ≈ 0.932
c. The probability that LeBron makes his first free throw shot before his third attempt is 0.932.
30 (2.71828)−3 31 (2.71828) −3
2a. P (0) ≈ ≈ 0.050 P (1) ≈ ≈ 0.149
0! 1!
32 (2.71828) −3 33 (2.71828) −3
P (2) ≈ ≈ 0.224 P (3) ≈ ≈ 0.224
2! 3!
34 (2.71828) −3
P (4) ≈ ≈ 0.168
4!
b. P (0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4) ≈ 0.050 + 0.149 + 0.224 + 0.224 + 0.168 = 0.815
c. 1 − 0.815 = 0185
d. The probability that more than four accidents will occur in any given month at the intersection is
0.185.
2000
3a. µ = = 0.10
20, 000
b. µ = 0.10, x = 3
c. P(3) = 0.0002
d. The probability of finding three brown trout in any given cubic meter of the lake is 0.0002.
e. Because 0.0002 is less than 0.05, this can be considered an unusual event.
1. P (3) = (0.65)(0.35) 2 = 0.08

2. P (1) = (0.45)(0.55)0 = 0.45
3. P (5) = (0.09)(0.91) 4 = 0.062
4. P (8) = (0.28)(0.72)7 = 0.028
(5)4 (2.71828) −5
5. P (4) ≈ = 0.175
4!
(6)3 (2.71828)−6
6. P (3) ≈ = 0.089
3!
(1.5) 2 (2.71828)−1.5
7. P (2) ≈ = 0.251
2!
(9.8)5 (2.71828) −9.8

8. P (5) ≈ = 0.042
5!
9. In a binomial distribution, the value of x represents the number of success in n trials, and in a
geometric distribution the value of x represents the first trial that results in a success.
10. In a binomial distribution, the value of x represents the number of successes in n trials, and in a
Poisson distribution the value of x represents the number of occurrences in an interval.
11. Geometric, You are interested in counting the number of trials until the first success.
12. Poisson. You are interested in counting the number of occurrences that takes place within a given
unit of time.
13. Binomial. You are interested in counting the number of successes out of n trials.
14. Geometric. You are interested in counting the number of trials until the first success.
15. p = 0.19
(a) P (5) = (0.19)(0.81) 4 ≈ 0.082
(b) P(sale on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd call) = P (1) + P (2) + P(3)
= (0.19)(0.81)0 + (0.19)(0.81)1 + (0.19)(0.81) 2 ≈ 0.469
(c) P(no sale of first 3 calls) = 1 − P(sale on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd call) ≈ 1 − 0.469 = 0.531
16. µ = 2
(2)5 (2.71828)−2
(a) P (5) ≈ ≈ 0.036
5!
This event is unusual because its probability is less than 0.05.
(b) P(x ≥ 5) = 1 − (P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4))
≈ 1 − (0.135 + 0.271 + 0.271 + 0.180 + 0.090)
= 0.053

(c) P(x > 5) = 1 − (P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4) + P(5))

≈ 1 − (0.135 + 0.271 + 0.271 + 0.180 + 0.090 + 0.036)
= 0.017
17. µ = 4
(4)3 (2.71828) −4
(a) P (3) = = 0.195
3!
(b) P(x ≥ 3) = 1 − P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3)
≈ 0.018 + 0.073 + 0.147 + 0.195
= 0.433
(c) P(x > 3) = 1 − (P(x ≤ 3) ≈ 1 − 0.433 = 0.567
18. p = 0.648
(a) P(2) = (0.648)(0.352)1 ≈ 0.228
(b) P(completes 1st or 2nd pass) = P(1) + P(2) = (0.648)(0.352)0 + (0.648)(0.352)1 ≈ 0.876
(c) P(does not complete first 2 passes) = 1 − P(completes 1st or 2nd pass)
≈ 1 − 0.876
= 0.124
2!
P(0) = (0.648)0 (0.352) 2 = 0.124
0!2!
19. µ = 0.6
(0.6)1 (2.71828) −0.6
(a) P (1) ≈ = 0.329
1!
(b) P(x ≤1) = P(0) + P(1) ≈ 0.549 + 0.329 =0.878
(c) P(x > 1) = 1 − (P(x ≤ 1) ≈ 1 − 0.878 = 0.122
1
20. p = = 0.002
500
(a) P (10) = (0.002)(0.998)9 = 0.002
(b) P(1st, 2nd, or 3rd part is defective)
= P(1) + P(2) + P(3) = (0.002)(0.998)0 + (0.002)(0.998)1 + (0.002)(0.998) 2 = 0.006
(c) P(x > 10) = 1 − P(x ≤ 10) = 1 − [ P (1) + P (2) + " + P (10)] = 1 − 0.020 = 0.980
1
21. p = = 0.25
4
(a) P(4) = (0.25)(0.75)3 ≈ 0.105
(b) P(prize with 1st, 2nd, or 3rd purchase)
= P(1) + P(2) + P(3) = (0.25)(0.75)0 + (0.25)(0.75)1 + (0.25)(0.75) 2 = 0.578

(c) P(x > 4) = 1 − P(x ≤ 4) = 1 − [ P (1) + P (2) + P (3) + P (4)] = 1 − 0.684 = 0.316
22. µ = 9.5
(9.5)10 (2.71828)−9.5
(a) P (10) ≈ = 0.124
10!
(b) P(x ≤10) ≈ 0.645
(c) P(x > 10) = 1 − P(x ≤ 10) ≈ 1 − 0.645 = 0.355
23. µ = 8
(a) P (8) ≈ 0.140
(b) P(x ≤ 3) ≈ 0.042
(c) P(x > 12) ≈ 0.064
24. µ = 45
(a) P (50) = 0.043
(b) P(x ≥ 65) ≈ 0.003
(c) P(x ≤ 40) ≈ 0.256
1
25. (a) n = 6000, p = = 0.0004
2500
6000!
P(4) = (0.0004)4 (0.9996)5996 ≈ 0.1254235482
5996!4!
6000
(b) µ = = 2.4 cars with defects per 6000.
2500
P(4) ≈ 0.1254084986
The results are approximately the same.
26. (a) P (0) =

( 2 C0 )( 13 C3 ) = (1)(286) = 0.629
15 C3 455
( 2 C1 ) ( 13 C2 ) (2)(78)
(b) P (1) = = = 0.343
15 C3 455
( 2 C2 ) ( 13 C1 ) (1)(13)
(c) P (2) = = = 0.029
15 C3 455

1
27. p = = 0.001
1000
1 1
(a) µ = = = 1000
p 0.001
q 0.999
σ2 = 2 = = 999, 000
p (0.001) 2
σ = σ 2 ≈ 999.5
On average, you would have to play 1000 times in order to win the lottery. The standard
deviation is 999.5 times.
(b) 1000 times, because it is the mean.
You would expect to lose money, because, on average, you would win $500 every 1000 times
you play the lottery and pay $1000 to play it. So, the net gain would be −$500.
28. p = 0.005
1 1
(a) µ = = = 200
p 0.005
q 0.995
σ2 = 2 = = 39,800
p (0.005) 2
σ = σ 2 ≈ 199.5
On average 200 records will be examined before finding one that has been miscalculated. The
standard deviation is 199.5 records.
(b) 200, because it is the mean.
29. µ = 3.9
(a) σ 2 = µ = 3.9
σ = σ 2 ≈ 2.0
The standard deviation is 2.0 strokes, so most of Phil’s scores per hole differ from the mean
by no more than 2.0 strokes.
(b) For 18 holes, Phil’s average would be (18)(3.9) = 70.2 strokes.

So, µ = 70.2 .
P(x > 72) = 1 − P(x ≤ 72) ≈ 1 − 0.615 = 0.385
30. µ = 29.9
(a) σ 2 = µ = 29.9
σ = σ 2 ≈ 5.5
The standard deviation to 5.5 inches, so most of the January snowfalls in Mount Shasta differ
from the mean by no more than 5.5 inches.
(b) 3 feet = 36 inches
P(x > 36) = 1 − P(x ≤ 36) ≈ 1 − 0.884 = 0.116

CHAPTER 4 REVIEW EXERCISE SOLUTIONS
1. Continuous, because the length of time spent sleeping is a random variable that cannot be
counted.
2. Discrete, because the number of fish caught is a random variable that is countable.
3. Discrete. 4. Continuous
5. Continuous 6. Discrete
7. No, ∑ P( x) ≠ 1. 8. Yes.
9. Yes
10. No, P(5) > 1 and ∑ P( x) ≠ 1.

11. (a)
x f P(x)
2 3 0.005
3 12 0.018
4 72 0.111
5 115 0.177
6 169 0.260
7 120 0.185
8 83 0.128
9 48 0.074
10 22 0.034
11 6 0.009
n = 650
∑ P( x) ≈ 1
(b)

(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0.010 −4.377 19.158 0.096
0.054 −3.377 11.404 0.205
0.444 −2.377 5.650 0.627
0.885 −1.377 1.896 0.336
1.560 −0.377 0.142 0.037
1.295 0.623 0.388 0.072
1.024 1.623 2.634 0.337
0.666 2.623 6.880 0.509
0.340 3.623 13.126 0.446
0.099 4.623 21.372 0.192
∑ xP ( x) = 6.377 ∑ ( x − µ )2 P ( x) = 2.857
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 6.377 ≈ 6.4

σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P( x) = 2.857 ≈ 2.9
σ = σ 2 = 2.857 ≈ 1.7
(d) The mean is 6.4, so the average number of pages per section is about 6 pages. The
standard deviation is 1.7, so most of the sections differ from the mean by no more
than about 2 pages.
12. (a)
x f P(x)
0 29 0.207
1 62 0.443
2 33 0.236
3 12 0.086
4 3 0.021
5 1 0.007
n = 140
∑ P( x) = 1
(b)
Skewed right

(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 −1.292 1.669 0.345
0.443 −0.292 0.085 0.038
0.472 0.708 0.501 0.118
0.258 1.708 2.917 0.251
0.084 2.708 7.333 0.154
0.035 3.708 13.749 0.096
∑ xP ( x) = 1.292 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.002
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 1.292 ≈ 1.3

σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ )2 P( x) = 1.002 ≈ 1.0
σ = σ 2 = 1.002 ≈ 1.0
(d) The mean is 1.3, so the average number of hits per game is about 1 hit. The standard
deviation is 1.0, so most of the games differ from the mean by no more than 1 hit.
13. (a)
x f P(x)
0 5 0.020
1 35 0.140
2 68 0.272
3 73 0.292
4 42 0.168
5 19 0.076
6 8 0.032
n = 250
∑ P( x) = 1
(b)

(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0 −2.804 7.862 0.157
0.140 −1.804 3.254 0.456
0.544 −0.804 0.646 0.176
0.876 0.196 0.038 0.011
0.672 1.196 1.430 0.240
0.380 2.196 4.822 0.366
0.192 3.196 10.214 0.327
∑ xP ( x) = 2.804 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 1.733
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.804 ≈ 2.8

σ = ∑ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 1.733 ≈ 1.7
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 1.733 ≈ 1.3
(d) The mean is 2.8, so the average number of cellular phones per household is about 3. The
standard deviation is 1.3, so most of the households differ from the mean by no more than
about 1 cellular phone.
14. (a)
x f P(x)
15 76 0.1342
30 445 0.7862
60 30 0.0530
90 3 0.0053
120 12 0.0212
n = 566
∑P( x) = 1
(b)
Skewed right

(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
2.0145 −16.8015 282.2904 37.9116
23.5860 −1.8015 3.2454 2.5515
3.1800 28.1985 795.1554 42.1432
0.4770 58.1985 3387.0654 17.9514
2.5440 88.1985 7778.9754 164.9143
∑ xP ( x) = 31.8015 ∑ ( x − µ ) 2 P ( x) = 265.4720
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 31.8015 ≈ 31.8

σ = ∑ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 265.4720 ≈ 265.5
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 265.4720 ≈ 16.3
(d) The mean is 31.8, so the average length of an advertising block is 31.8 seconds. The
standard deviation is 16.3, so most of the commercials differ from the mean by no more
than 16.3 seconds.
15. E ( x) = µ = ∑ xP( x) ≈ 3.4

16. E ( x) = µ = ∑ xP( x) ≈ 2.5
17. No; In a binomial experiment, there are only two possible outcomes: success or failure.
18. Yes; The experiment has 20 independent trials, there are two possible outcomes (C and not C),
the probability of success is the same for each trial, and the random variable x represents the
number of outcomes of C.
The possibility of success for each trial is 0.20.

n = 12, p = 0.24, q = 0.76, x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
20. Not a binomial experiment because the experiment is not repeated for a fixed number of trials.
21. n = 8, p = 0.25
(a) P(3) ≈ 0.208
(b) P(x ≥ 3) = 1 − P(x < 3) = 1 − [ P (0) + P (1) + P (2)] = 1 − [0.100 + 0.267 + 0.311] = 0.322
(c) P(x > 3) = 1 − P(x ≤ 3) =
1 − [ P (0) + P (1) + P (2) + P (3) ] = 1 − [0.100 + 0.267 + 0.311 + 0.208] = 0.114
22. n = 12, p = 0.25

(a) P(2) ≈ 0.232
(b) P(x ≥ 2) = 1 − [ P (0) + P (1) ] = 1 − [0.032 + 0.127] = 0.841
(c) P(x > 2) = 1 − P(x ≤ 2) = 1 − [ P(0) + P(1) + P (2)]
≈ 1 − [0.032 + 0.127 + 0.232] = 0.609

23. n = 9, p = 0.43
(a) P(5) ≈ 0.196
(b) P(x ≥ 5) = P(5) + P(6) + P(7) + P(8) + P(9)
≈ 0.196 + 0.098 +0.032 + 0.006 + 0.001
= 0.333
(c) P(x > 5) = P(6) + P(7) + P(8) + P(9)
≈ 0.098 + 0.032 + 0.006 + 0.001
= 0.137
24. n = 5, p = 0.31
(a) P(2) ≈ 0.316
(b) P(x ≥ 2) = P(2) + P(3) + P(4) + P(5) ≈ 0.316 + 0.142 + 0.032 + 0.003 = 0.493
(c) P(x > 2) = P(3) + P(4) + P(5) ≈ 0.142 + 0.032 + 0.003 = 0.177
25. (a) n = 5, p = 0.34 (b)
x P(x)
0 0.125
1 0.323
2 0.332
3 0.171
4 0.044
5 0.005
Skewed right
(c) µ = np = (5)(0.34) = 1.7
σ 2 = npq = (5)(0.34)(0.66) ≈ 1.1
σ = npq = (5)(0.34)(0.66) ≈ 1.1
The mean is 1.7 , so an average of 1.7 out of 5 women have spouses who never help with
household chores. The standard deviation is 1.1, so most samples of 5 women differ from the
mean by no more than 1.1 women.
(d) The values x = 4 and x = 5 are unusual because their probabilities are less than 0.05.
26. (a) n = 6, p = 0.68 (b)
x P(x)
0 0.001
1 0.014
2 0.073
3 0.206
4 0.328
5 0.279
6 0.099
Skewed left

(c) µ = np = (6)(0.68) ≈ 4.1

σ 2 = npq = (5)(0.68)(0.32) ≈ 1.3
σ = npq = (6)(0.68)(0.32) ≈ 1.1
The mean is 4.1, so an average of 4.1 out of 6 families say that their children have an
influence on their vacation destinations. The standard deviation is 1.1, so most samples of 6
families differ from the mean by no more than 1.1 families.
(d) The values x = 0 and x= 1 are unusual because their probabilities are less than 0.05.
27. (a) n = 4, p = 0.4 (b)
x P(x)
0 0.130
1 0.346
2 0.346
3 0.154
4 0.025
(c) µ = np = (4)(0.4) = 1.6 Skewed right

σ 2 = npq = (4)(0.4)(0.6) ≈ 1.0
σ = npq = (4)(0.4)(0.6) ≈ 1.0
The mean is 1.6, so an average of 1.6 out of 4 tracks have diesel engines. The standard
deviation is 1.0, so most samples of 4 trucks differ from the mean by no more than 1 truck.
(d) The value x = 4 is unusual because its probability is less than 0.05.
28. (a) n = 5, p = 0.63 (b)
x P(x)
0 0.007
1 0.059
2 0.201
3 0.342
4 0.291
5 0.099
Skewed left
(c) µ = np = (5)(0.63) = 3.2
σ 2 = npq = (5)(0.63)(0.37) = 1.2
σ = npq = (5)(0.63)(0.37) = 1.1
The mean is 3.2, so an average of 3.2 out of 5 mothers choose fast food one to three times a
week. The standard deviation is 1.1, so most samples of 5 mothers differ from the mean by no
more than 1.1 mothers.
(d) The value x = 0 is unusual because its probability is less than 0.05.

29. p = 0.22
(a) P(3) = (0.22)(0.78)2 ≈ 0.134
(b) P(4 or 5) = P(4) + P(5) = (0.22)(0.78) 2 + (0.22)(0.78) 4 ≈ 0.186
(c) P(x > 7) = 1 − P(x ≤ 7)
= 1 − [ P (1) + P (2) + P (3) + P(4) + P(5) + P(6) + P(7) ]
= 1 − [0.220 + 0.172 + 0.134 + 0.104 + 0.081 + 0.064 + 0.050]
= 0.175
33
30. p = = 0.429
77
(a) P(1) = (0.429)(0.571)0 ≈ 0.429
(b) P(2) = (0.429)(0.571)1 ≈ 0.245
(c) P(1 or 2) = P(1) + P(2) ≈ 0.429 + 0.245 = 0.674
(d) P(within first 3 games) = P(1) P(2) + P(3) ≈ 0.429 + 0.245 + 0.140 = 0.814
6755 97.9
31. µ = ≈ 97.9 tornado deaths/year → µ = ≈ 0.268 deaths/day
69 365
(0.268)0 (2.71828) −0.268
(a) P(0) ≈ ≈ 0.765
0!
(0.268)1 (2.71828) −0.268
(b) P(1) ≈ ≈ 0.205
1!
(c) P(x < 2) = P(0) + P(1) + P(2)
≈ 0.765 + 0.205 + 0.027
= 0.997
(d) P(x > 1) = 1 − P(x ≤ 1) = 1 − [ P (0) + P (1) ] = 1 − [0.765 + 0.205] = 0.030
32. (a) µ = 10
P(x ≥ 3) = 1 − P(x < 3)
= 1 − [ P (0) + P (1) + P (2) ≈ 1 − [0.000 + 0.0005 + 0.0023] ≈ 0.997
(b) µ = 5
P(x ≥ 3) = 1 − P(x < 3)
= 1 − [ P (0) + P (1) + P (2) ≈ 1 − [0.00 + 0.034 + 0.084] ≈ 0.875
(c) µ = 15
P(x ≥ 3) = 1 − P(x < 3)
= 1 − [ P (0) + P (1) + P (2) ≈ 1 − [0.0000 + 0.0000 + 0.0000] ≈ 1
33. The probability increases as the rate increases, and decreases as the rate decreases.

CHAPTER 4 QUIZ SOLUTIONS
1. (a) Discrete because the number of lightning strikes that occur in Wyoming during the month of
June is a random variable that is countable.
(b) Continuous because the fuel (in gallons) used by the Space Shuttle during takeoff is a random
variable that has an infinite number of possible outcomes and cannot be counted.
2. (a)
x f P(x)
1 114 0.400
2 74 0.260
3 76 0.267
4 18 0.063
5 3 0.011
n = 285 ∑ P( x) ≈ 1
(b)
Skewed right
(c)
xP(x) (x − µ) (x − µ)2 (x − µ)2P(x)
0.400 −1.028 1.057 0.423
0.520 −0.028 0.001 0.000
0.801 0.972 0.945 0.252
0.252 1.972 3.889 0.245
0.055 2.972 8.833 0.097
∑ xP ( x) = 2.028 ∑ ( x − µ )2 P ( x) = 1.017
µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.028 ≈ 2.0

σ = ∑ ≤ ( x − µ ) P( x) = 1.017 = 1.0
2 2
σ = σ 2 = 1.017 = 1.0
On average, the intensity of a hurricane will be 2.0. The standard deviation is 1.0, so most
hurricane intensities will differ from the mean by no more than 1.0.
18 3
(d) P ( x ≥ 4) = P (4) + P (5) = + = 0.074
285 285

3. (a) n = 6, p = 0.85
x P(x)
0 0.00001
1 0.00039
2 0.00549
3 0.04145
4 0.17618
5 0.39933
6 0.37715
(b)
(c) µ = np = (6)(0.85) = 5.1

σ 2 = npq = (6)(0.85)(0.15) = 0.8
σ = npq = (16)(0.85)(0.15) = 0.9
The average number of successful surgeries is 5.1 out of 6. The standard deviation is 0.9, so
most samples of 6 surgeries differ from the mean by no more than 0.9 surgery.
(d) P(3) ≈ 0.041
(e) P(x < 4) = P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) ≈ 0.047
4. µ=5
(5)5 (2.71828)−5
(a) P(5) ≈ ≈ 0.175
5!
(b) P(x < 5) = P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4)
≈ 0.007 + 0.034 + 0.084 + 0.140 + 0.175
= 0.440
(5)0 (2.71828) −5
(c) P(0) ≈ ≈ 0.007
0!
5. p = 0.602
P(4) = (0.602)(0.398)3 ≈ 0.038
6. p = 0.602
P(2 or 3) = P(2) + P(3) = (0.602)(0.398)1 + (0.602)(0.398) 2 ≈ 0.335
This event is not unusual because its probability is greater than 0.05.

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CHAPTER

Discrete Probability Distributions

4.1 Try It Yourself Solutions

1a. (1) measured (2) counted

3a. Each P(x) is between 0 and 1.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

6ab. From 5, µ − 2.6,

4.1 EXERCISE SOLUTIONS

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

4. The mean of a probability distribution represent the “theoretical average” of a probability

9. Discrete, because attendance is a random variable that is countable.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

21. (a) P(x > 2) = 0.25 + 0.10 = 0.35

22. (a) P(x > 1) = 1 − P(x < 2) = 1 − (0.30 + 0.25) = 0.45

23. ∑ P( x) = 1 → P(3) = 0.22 24. ∑ P( x) = 1 → P(1) = 0.15

26. No, ∑ P( x) = 0.97.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

µ = ∑ xP( x) = 0.497 ≈ 0.5

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 5.3 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) P( x) = 3.249 ≈ 3.3

(c) σ = σ 2 = 3.249 ≈ 1.9 (d) E ( x) = µ = ∑ xP ( x) = 5.3

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 3.02 ≈ 3.0 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.04 ≈ 2.0 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 1.697 ≈ 1.7 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 2.491 ≈ 2.5 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

(a) µ = ∑ xP( x) = 1.59 ≈ 1.6 (b) σ 2 = ∑ ( x − µ) 2

41. (a) P(x < 2) = 0.686 + 0.195 = 0.881

42. (a) P(x = 4) = 0.190

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

(b) Skewed right

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

(b) Approximately uniform

49. µ x = a + bµ x = 1000 + 1.05(36,000) = $38,800

50. σ y = b σ x = (1.04)(3899) = $4054.96

51. µ x + y = µ x + µ y = 1524 + 1496 = 3020

52. σ x2− y = σ x2 + σ 2y = (317) 2 + (307) 2 = 194,738 ⇒ σ x − y = σ x2− y = 441.29

4.2 BINOMIAL DISTRIBUTIONS

4.2 Try It Yourself Solutions

1a. Trial answering a question

2a. Trial: drawing a card with replacement

3a. Trial: Selecting an adult and asking a question

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

c. P(0) = 7 C0 (0.75)0 (0.25)7 ≈ 0.00006

4a. n = 250, p = 0.71, x = 178

5a. (1) x = 2 (2) x = 2, 3, 4, or 5 (3) x = 0 or 1

(2) P(1) = 5 C1 (0.21)1 (0.79)4 ≈ 0.409

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

6a. Trial: Selecting a business and asking if it has a website

7a. P(0) = 4 C0 (0.81)0 (0.19) 4 ≈ 0.001

8a. Success: selecting a clear day

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.

4.2 EXERCISE SOLUTIONS

2. The random variable measures the number of successes in n trials.

3. (a) p = 0.50 (graph is symmetric)

4. (a) p = 0.75 (graphs is skewed left → p > 0.5)

5. (a) n = 12 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)

7. (a) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 (b) 0 (c) 0, 1, 2, 8

8. (a) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15 (c) 0, 1

10. It is a binomial experiment.