LESSON 1.

Random Variables

 variable is any characteristic or attribute of a population or sample under study.

 random. describes something that is without definite aim, direction, rule, or method.
 A random variable has either a probability distribution for a discrete random variable A
probability density function for a continuous random variable.
 Discrete- x = 0, 1, 2, 3, .... Continuous- 154.1, 155, 160.5

Example 1

Let X be a random variable that denotes the number of students inside a cafeteria in a specific time.
What are the possible values of the random variable X?

Solution

The number of students is a random variable that can take whole numbers. Therefore, X = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...

Example 2

Two coins are tossed at the same time. If X denotes the number of heads that can appear, what are the
possible values of X?

Solution

When two coins are tossed at the same time, the possible outcomes are

S = {HH, HT, TH, TT}

LESSON 1.2

Discrete and Continuous Random Variables

 discrete random variable has a finite number of possible values or an infinite number of values
that can be counted.
o discrete means separate and different from one another.
o Ex.: the number of pets a particular household has. A household can have no pets, one
pet, or more. Thus, the random variable X can take values equal to 0, 1, 2, or more.
 continuous random variable can assume an infinite number of values that can take decimal or
fractional values.
Example 1

A random variable takes on the following values: 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14. Is the random variable
discrete or continuous?

Solution

Since the random variable takes on whole number values, the random variable is discrete.

Example 2

Identify whether the amount of money a person pays for grocery goods is a discrete or a

continuous random variable.

Solution

The amount of money that a person pays for grocery goods varies depending on the

quantity of goods being bought. This variable takes on values that are decimal in form, like

₱255.65. Thus, the amount of money a person pays for grocery goods is a continuous

random variable.

LESSON 1.3

Probability Distribution

 The probability distribution of a discrete random variable is a list, a table, a graph, or a

formula of probabilities associated with each of its possible values. It is also sometimes
called the probability distribution function or the probability mass function.
o P(X = xi) = P(xi).