Discrete and continuos random variable with examples

Discrete Random Variable:

A discrete random variable is a variable that can take on a countable number of distinct values. These values are typically whole numbers or integers. Each value has a
specific probability associated with it.

Example 1: Coin Toss

When flipping a fair coin, the outcome can be either heads (H) or tails (T). The random variable here is the number of heads obtained in a single coin toss. The possible values
are 0 (no heads) or 1 (one head), and the probabilities associated with each value are 0.5 and 0.5, respectively.

Example 2: Dice Roll

When rolling a fair six-sided die, the random variable can be the number that appears on the top face of the die. The possible values are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, each with a
probability of 1/6.

Continuous Random Variable:

A continuous random variable is a variable that can take on any value within a certain range or interval. These values are typically measured and can include decimals or
fractions. The probability of any specific value is zero, and instead, we focus on the probability of a range of values.

Example 1: Height of Adults

The random variable here is the height of adults. Heights can vary continuously within a certain range. For example, the height of adults may range from 4 feet to 7 feet. The
probability of any specific height is infinitesimally small, but we can calculate the probability of a range of heights, such as the probability of an adult being between 5 feet 6
inches and 6 feet tall.

Example 2: Temperature
The random variable can be the temperature measured in degrees Celsius. Temperature can vary continuously within a certain range. For example, the temperature in a
given location may range from -10 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. We can calculate the probability of a range of temperatures, such as the probability of the
temperature being between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
 Discrete and continuos random variable with examples

Discrete Random Variable:

A discrete random variable is a variable that can take on a countable number of distinct values. These values are typically whole numbers or integers. Each value has a
specific probability associated with it.

Example 1: Coin Toss

When flipping a fair coin, the outcome can be either heads (H) or tails (T). The random variable here is the number of heads obtained in a single coin toss. The possible values
are 0 (no heads) or 1 (one head), and the probabilities associated with each value are 0.5 and 0.5, respectively.

Example 2: Dice Roll

When rolling a fair six-sided die, the random variable can be the number that appears on the top face of the die. The possible values are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, each with a
probability of 1/6.

Continuous Random Variable:

A continuous random variable is a variable that can take on any value within a certain range or interval. These values are typically measured and can include decimals or
fractions. The probability of any specific value is zero, and instead, we focus on the probability of a range of values.

Example 1: Height of Adults

The random variable here is the height of adults. Heights can vary continuously within a certain range. For example, the height of adults may range from 4 feet to 7 feet. The
probability of any specific height is infinitesimally small, but we can calculate the probability of a range of heights, such as the probability of an adult being between 5 feet 6
inches and 6 feet tall.

Example 2: Temperature
The random variable can be the temperature measured in degrees Celsius. Temperature can vary continuously within a certain range. For example, the temperature in a
given location may range from -10 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. We can calculate the probability of a range of temperatures, such as the probability of the
temperature being between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
 In summary, discrete random variables have a countable number of distinct
values, while continuous random variables can take on any value within a
certain range. Understanding the distinction between these two types of
random variables is important in probability and statistics.
Consider the following example:

For our example, the mean (μ) can be calculated as:
μ = (0 * 0.1) + (1 * 0.2) + (2 * 0.4) + (3 * 0.2) + (4 * 0.1)
= 0 + 0.2 + 0.8 + 0.6 + 0.4
=2
Suppose we have a discrete random variable X representing the number
of children in a family. The possible values for X are 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4,
representing families with no children, one child, two children, three
children, and four children, respectively. The probabilities associated
with each value are as follows:

P(X = 0) = 0.1
Therefore, the mean number of children in a family is 2.
P(X = 1) = 0.2
P(X = 2) = 0.4
Variance: P(X = 3) = 0.2
The variance of a discrete random variable measures the spread or P(X = 4) = 0.1
variability of its values around the mean. It is calculated by taking
the difference between each possible value and the mean, squaring Mean (Expected Value):
it, multiplying it by its corresponding probability, and summing The mean of a discrete random variable is a measure of its central
them up. tendency and represents the average value. It is calculated by
multiplying each possible value by its corresponding probability and
summing them up.
 Mean (Expected Value):
Let's illustrate the concepts of mean and variance using a discrete random
The mean of a discrete random variable
variable.
is a measure of its central tendency and
Consider the following example: represents the average value. It is
calculated by multiplying each possible
Suppose we have a discrete random variable X representing the number of value by its corresponding probability
children in a family. The possible values for X are 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, representing and summing them up.
families with no children, one child, two children, three children, and four
children, respectively. The probabilities associated with each value are as For our example, the mean (μ) can be
follows: calculated as:

P(X = 0) = 0.1 μ = (0 * 0.1) + (1 * 0.2) + (2 * 0.4) + (3 * 0.2)

P(X = 1) = 0.2 + (4 * 0.1)
P(X = 2) = 0.4
= 0 + 0.2 + 0.8 + 0.6 + 0.4
P(X = 3) = 0.2
=2
P(X = 4) = 0.1

Therefore, the mean number of children in a family is 2.

Variance:
The variance of a discrete random variable measures the spread or variability of its values around the mean. It is calculated by taking the difference between
each possible value and the mean, squaring it, multiplying it by its corresponding probability, and summing them up.

For our example, the variance (σ^2) can be calculated as:

σ^2 = [(0 - 2)^2 * 0.1] + [(1 - 2)^2 * 0.2] + [(2 - 2)^2 * 0.4] + [(3 - 2)^2 * 0.2] + [(4 - 2)^2 * 0.1]
= [(-2)^2 * 0.1] + [(-1)^2 * 0.2] + [(0)^2 * 0.4] + [(1)^2 * 0.2] + [(2)^2 * 0.1]
= 0.4 + 0.2 + 0 + 0.2 + 0.4
= 1.2
 Therefore, the variance of the number of children in a family is 1.2.

The mean and variance are important measures in understanding the characteristics of a discrete random variable. They
provide insights into the central tendency and spread of the variable's values.

Let's discuss the normal random variable and its characteristics.

The normal random variable, also known as the Gaussian random variable or the bell curve, is a
continuous probability distribution that is widely used in statistics and probability theory. It is
characterized by its bell-shaped curve, which is symmetric and centered around its mean.

Here are some key characteristics of the normal random variable:

1. Probability Density Function (PDF):

The probability density function of a normal random variable is given by the equation:
 f(x) = (1 / (σ * √(2π))) * e^(-(x - μ)^2 / (2σ^2))

where:

- μ (mu) represents the mean of the distribution.

- σ (sigma) represents the standard deviation of the distribution.
- e is the base of the natural logarithm.

The PDF describes the likelihood of observing a particular value of the random variable. It is highest at the mean and decreases symmetrically as
we move away from the mean.

2. Mean and Variance:

The mean (μ) of a normal random variable represents the center of the distribution. It is also the peak of the bell curve. The mean determines the
location of the curve along the x-axis.

he standard deviation (σ) of a normal random variable measures the spread or variability of the distribution. It determines the width of the bell curve. A larger sta
deviation indicates a wider spread of values, while a smaller standard deviation indicates a narrower spread.

3. Empirical Rule:
The normal distribution follows the empirical rule, also known as the 68-95-99.7 rule. According to this rule:

- Approximately 68% of the data falls within one standard deviation of the mean.
- Approximately 95% of the data falls within two standard deviations of the mean.
- Approximately 99.7% of the data falls within three standard deviations of the mean.
This rule provides a useful guideline for understanding the distribution of data in a normal
random variable.

4. Z-Score:
The z-score, also known as the standard score, is a measure of how many standard
deviations a particular value is from the mean. It is calculated using the formula:

z = (x - μ) / σ

The z-score allows us to compare values from different normal distributions and determine
their relative positions.

The normal random variable is widely used in various fields, including statistics, finance,
and natural sciences, due to its many desirable properties and its ability to model a wide
range of phenomena.
Presented by: Neamae Lavides

ANTHONETH MANDAWE