Exploring Random

Variable
Random Variable and Distinguishing between Discrete
and Continuous

Prepared by: Mr. Renz A. Tapinit

Learning Objectives:

• Illustrate a random variable;

• Distinguish between a discrete and a continuous
random variable; and,
• Demonstrate understanding of key concepts of
random variables.
 Definition of
Random Variable
A random variable is a numerical quantity that is
assigned to the outcome of an experiment. It is a
variable that assumes numerical values associated
with the events of an experiment.

We can use capital letters to represent a random

variable.
Try this!
Tossing a Coin

Suppose two coins are tossed and we are interested to determine the number of
heads that will come out. Let us use H to represent the number of heads that will
come out. Determine the values of the random variable H.
 Try this!
Solutions:

STEP 1: List the sample space of the experiment.

𝑆 = {𝐻𝐻, 𝐻𝑇, 𝑇𝐻, 𝑇𝑇}

STEP 2: Count the number of heads in each outcome and assign this number to this outcome.

Outcome Value of H

HH 2

HT 1

TH 1

TT 0

The values of random variable H in this experiment are 0,1,2. In symbol, 𝐻 = {0,1,2}
Try this!
A basket contains 10 ripe and 4 unripe bananas. If three bananas are taken
from the basket one after the other, determine the possible values of the
random variable R representing the number of ripe bananas.
 Try this!
Solution:

STEP 1: List the sample space of the experiment. Let R represent the ripe
bananas and let U represent the unripe bananas.

𝑆 = {𝑅𝑅𝑅, 𝑅𝑅𝑈, 𝑅𝑈𝑅, 𝑅𝑈𝑈, 𝑈𝑅𝑅, 𝑈𝑅𝑈, 𝑈𝑈𝑅, 𝑈𝑈𝑈}

 Try this!
Solution:
STEP 2: Count the number of ripe bananas (R) in each outcome and assign this
number to this outcome.
Outcome Value of R
RRR 3
RRU 2
RUR 2
RUU 1
URR 2
URU 1
UUR 1
UUU 0
The values of random variable R in this experiment are 0,1,2,3. In symbol 𝑅 = {0,1,2,3}
Discrete and Continuous
Random Variable
Discrete and Continuous Random Variable
A random variable may be classified as discrete or continuous.

A discrete random variable is one that can assume only a countable

number of values. It is a random variable whose possible values form a finite
or countable set of numbers.

A continuous random variable can assume infinite number of values in

one or more intervals. A continuous random variable is generated from an
experiment in which things are measurable.
 Try this!
Determine whether the following is a discrete or continuous random
variable.

1. Voltage of radio batteries.

2. Number of soldiers in the troop.
3. Number of rotten tomatoes in the basket.
4. Amount of antibiotics in the vial.
5. Number of defective flashlights.
6. Lifetime of lightbulbs in a minutes.
7. Length of wire ropes.
8. Number of pencils in a box.
Generalizations
Reflect the learning that you have gained after taking up this lesson.

What were your thoughts or ideas about the topic before taking up the lesson?

I thought that ______________________________________.

What new or additional ideas have you had after taking up this lesson?

I learned that _______________________________________.

Seatwork #1
Determine the values of the random variable in each of the following situations.

1. Two coins are tossed. Let T be the number of tails that occurs. Determine the
values of the random variable T.

2. A meeting of consuls was attended by 4 Americans and 2 Germans. If three

consuls were selected at random one after the other, determine the values of the
random variable G representing the number of Germans.
Assignment #1
Determine the values of the random variable in each of the following situations.

1. Two coins are tossed. Let T be the number of tails that occurs. Determine the
values of the random variable T.

2. A meeting of consuls was attended by 4 Americans and 3 Germans. If three

consuls were selected at random one after the other, determine the values of the
random variable G representing the number of Germans.
Performance Task #1: Data Analysis Project

Following the template below, supply the data information by interviewing/asking 20 of your
classmates/neighbors of different age. Write your output on a short bond paper (printed). The
performance task is graded using the rubrics below.

No. of
No. of Height Weight Body No. of
Name Sex Age hours. Signature
siblings (cm) (kg) Temp. pets
(sleeping)
1.

20.
Performance Task #1: Data Analysis Project

Identify the variables as Discrete or Continuous.

1. Sex
2. Age
3. No. of Siblings
4. Height
5. Weight
6. Body Temperature
7. No. of Pets
8. No. of hours sleeping
Performance Task #1: Data Analysis Project

Data Analysis Project Rubrics

Needs
Unsatisfactorily Satisfactorily Exemplary
Improvement
( 0 point) (7 points) (10 points)
(5 points)

Survey Surveyed 0-5 Surveyed 6-12 Surveyed 13-19 100% survey

Completeness people only people only people only completed

Data 0-25% data 26-50% data 51-75% data 76-100% data

Accuracy accuracy accuracy accuracy accuracy

0-25% data 26-50% data 51-75% data 76-100% data

Neatness
neatness neatness neatness neatness
 Do you have any questions?

Thanks!
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