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Chapter 6
Discrete Probability Distributions
Section 6.1
1. A random variable is a numerical measure of the outcome of a probability experiment, so its value is
determined by chance.
2. A discrete random variable is a random variable that has either a finite number of possible values or a
countable number of possible values. The values of a discrete random variable can be plotted on a number
line with space between the points. A continuous random variable is a random variable that has an infinite
number of possible values that are not countable. The values of a continuous random variable can be plotted
on a line in an uninterrupted fashion. Examples will vary. One possibility of a discrete random variable is the
number of books on a randomly selected shelf in a library. One possibility of a continuous random variable is
the weight of a randomly selected adult female.
3. For a discrete probability distribution, each probability must be between 0 and 1 (inclusive) and the sum of
the probabilities must equal one.
4. The mean of a discrete random variable can be thought of as the mean (or average) outcome of the probability
experiment if we repeated the experiment a large number of times.
5. (a) The number of light bulbs that burn out, X, is a discrete random variable because the value of the
random variable results from counting.
Possible values: x = 0,1, 2,3,..., 20
(b) The time it takes to fly from New York City to Los Angeles is a continuous random variable because
time is measured. If we let the random variable T represent the time it takes to fly from New York City
to Los Angeles, the possible values for T are all positive real numbers; that is t > 0 .
(c) The number of hits to a web site in a day is a discrete random variable because the value of the random
variable results from counting. If we let the random variable X represent the number of hits, then the
possible values of X are x = 0,1, 2,....
(d) The amount of snow in Toronto during the winter is a continuous random variable because the amount
of snow is measured. If we let the random variable S represent the amount of snow in Toronto during
the winter, the possible values for S are all nonnegative real numbers; that is s ≥ 0 .
6. (a) The amount of time it takes for alight bulb to burn out is a continuous random variable because time is
measured. If we let the random variable T represent the time it takes for a light bulb to burn out, the
possible values for T are all positive real numbers; that is t > 0 .
(b) The weight of a T-bone steak is a continuous random variable because weight is measured. If we let
the random variable W represent the weight of a T-bone steak, the possible values for W are all positive
real numbers; that is w > 0 .
(c) The number of free-throw attempts before a shot is made is a discrete random variable because the
value of the random variable results from counting. If we let the random variable X represent the
number of free-throw attempts before a shot is made, the possible values of X are x = 1, 2,....
(d) The number of people who are blood type A in a random sample of 20 people is a discrete random
variable because the value of the random variable results from counting. If we let the random variable
X represent the number of people in the sample with blood type A, the possible values of X are
x = 0,1, 2,...20.
7. (a) The amount of rain in Seattle during April is a continuous random variable because the amount of rain
is measured. If we let the random variable R represent the amount of rain, the possible values for R are
all nonnegative real numbers; that is, r ≥ 0 .

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


237
Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

(b) The number of fish caught during a fishing tournament is a discrete random variable because the value
of the random variable results from counting. If we let the random variable X represent the number of
fish caught, the possible values of X are x = 0,1, 2,....
(c) The number of customers arriving at a bank between noon and 1:00 P.M. is a discrete random variable
because the value of the random variable results from counting. If we let the random variable X
represent the number of customers arriving at the bank between noon and 1:00 P.M., the possible
values of X are x = 0,1, 2,...
(d) The time required to download a file from the Internet is a continuous random variable because time is
measured. If we let the random variable T represent the time required to download a file, the possible
values of T are all positive real numbers; that is, t > 0 .
8. (a) The number of defects in a roll of carpet is a discrete random variable because the value of the random
variable results from counting. If we let the random variable X represent the number of defects in a
roll of carpet, the possible values of X are x = 0,1, 2,...
(b) The distance a baseball travels in the air after being hit is a continuous random variable because
distance is measured. If we let the random variable D represent the distance the ball travels after being
hit, the possible values for D are all positive real numbers; that is, d > 0 .
(c) The number of points scored during a basketball game is a discrete random variable because the value
of the random variable results from counting. If we let the random variable X represent the number of
points scored, the possible values for X are x = 0,1, 2,...
(d) The square footage of a house is a continuous random variable because area is measured. If we let A
represent the square footage of a house, the possible values for A are all positive real numbers; that is,
a>0.
9. Yes, because ∑ P( x) = 1 and 0 ≤ P( x) ≤ 1 for all x.
10. Yes, because ∑ P( x) = 1 and 0 ≤ P( x) ≤ 1 for all x.

11. No, because P(50) < 0 .

12. Yes, because ∑ P( x) = 1 and 0 ≤ P( x) ≤ 1 for all x.


13. No, because ∑ P( x) = 0.95 ≠ 1 .

14. No, because ∑ P( x) = 1.25 ≠ 1 .

15. We need the sum of all the probabilities to equal 1. For the given probabilities, we have 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.2 = 0.7 .
For the sum of the probabilities to equal 1, the missing probability must be 1 − 0.7 = 0.3 . That is, P ( 4) = 0.3 .

16. We need the sum of all the probabilities to equal 1. For the given probabilities, we have
0.30 + 0.15 + 0.20 + 0.15 + 0.05 = 0.85 . For the sum of the probabilities to equal 1, the missing probability
must be 1 − 0.85 = 0.15 . That is, P ( 2) = 0.15 .

17. (a) This is a discrete probability distribution (b)


because all the probabilities are between 0
and 1 (inclusive) and the sum of the
probabilities is 1.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


238
Section 6.1: Discrete Random Variables

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦ = 0 (0) + 1(0.161) + ... + 9 (0.010) = 3.210 ≈ 3.2


If we surveyed many households, we would expect the mean number of televisions per household to be
about 3.2.

σ X 2 = ∑ ⎡ ( x − µ X ) ⋅ P ( x )⎤
2
(d)
⎣ ⎦
= (0 − 3.210) (0) + (1 − 3.210) (0.161) + ... + (9 − 3.210) (0.010)
2 2 2

≈ 3.0159
σ X = σ X 2 = 3.0159 ≈ 1.7366 or about 1.7 televisions per household.

(e) P (3) = 0.176

(f) P (3 or 4) = P (3) + P ( 4) = 0.176 + 0.186 = 0.362

(g) P (0) = 0; This is not an impossible event, but it is very unlikely.

18. (a) This is a discrete probability distribution (b)


because all the probabilities are between 0
and 1 (inclusive) and the sum of the
probabilities is 1.

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦ = 0 (0.073) + 1(0.117) + ... + 4 (0.230) = 2.519 ≈ 2.5


On average, the number of activities that at least one parent of a 6-8th grader is involved in is expected
to be about 2.5.

σ X 2 = ∑ ⎡( x − µ X ) ⋅ P ( x )⎤
2
(d)
⎣ ⎦
= (0 − 2.519) (0.073) + (1 − 2.519) (0.117 ) + ... + (4 − 2.519) (0.230)
2 2 2

≈ 1.382
σ X = σ X 2 = 1.382 ≈ 1.176 or about 1.2 activities.

(e) P (3) = 0.322

(f) P (3 or 4) = P (3) + P ( 4) = 0.322 + 0.230 = 0.552

19. (a) This is a discrete probability distribution (b)


because all the probabilities are between 0
and 1 (inclusive) and the sum of the
probabilities is 1.

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦ = 0 (0.1677 ) + 1(0.3354) + ... + 5 (0.0248) = 1.6273 ≈ 1.6


Over many games, Ichiro is expected to average about 1.6 hits per game.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


239
Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

σ X 2 = ∑ ⎡ ( x − µ X ) ⋅ P ( x )⎤
2
(d)
⎣ ⎦
= (0 − 1.6273) (0.1677 ) + (1 − 1.6273) (0.3354) + ... + (5 − 1.6273) (0.0248)
2 2 2

≈ 1.389
σ X = σ 2 X ≈ 1.389 ≈ 1.179 or about 1.2 hits

(e) P ( 2) = 0.2857

(f) P ( X > 1) = 1 − P ( X ≤ 1) = 1 − P (0 or 1) = 1 − (0.1677 + 0.3354) = 1 − 0.5031 = 0.4969

20. (a) This is a discrete probability distribution (b)


because all the probabilities are between 0
and 1 (inclusive) and the sum of the
probabilities is 1.

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦ = 0 ⋅ (0.011) + 1 ⋅ (0.035) + … + 12 ⋅ (0.006) = 4.87 or about 4.9.


If the number of people waiting in line during lunch were observed many times, then the average
number observed would be about 4.9 people.

σ X2 = ∑ ( x − µx ) ⋅ P ( x ) = (0 − 4.87)2 ⋅ 0.011 + (1 − 4.87) 2 ⋅ 0.035 + …


2
(d)
+ (11 − 4.87) 2 ⋅ 0.004 + (12 − 4.87) 2 ⋅ 0.006 = 4.969 .
σ X = σ 2X = 4.969 ≈ 2.229 or about 2.2 people.

(e) P(8) = 0.063 .

(f) P ( X ≥ 10) = P (10 or 11 or 12 ) = P(10) + P(11) + P (12) = 0.019 + 0.004 + 0.006 = 0.029
Since the probability is small (less than 0.05), this would be considered somewhat unusual.
21. (a) Total number of World Series (b)
= 17 + 18 + 19 + 33 = 87.
x (games played) P ( x)
17
4 ≈ 0.1954
87
18
5 ≈ 0.2069
87
19
6 ≈ 0.2184
87
33
7 ≈ 0.3793
87

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦
≈ 4 ⋅ (0.1954) + 5 ⋅ (0.2069) + 6 ⋅ (0.2184) + 7 ⋅ (0.3793) ≈ 5.7816 or about 5.8 games
The World Series, if played many times, would be expected to last about 5.8 games on average.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


240
Section 6.1: Discrete Random Variables

σ X2 = ∑ ( x − µx ) ⋅ P ( x )
2
(d)
≈ (4 − 5.7816) 2 ⋅ 0.1954 + (5 − 5.7816) 2 ⋅ 0.2069 + (6 − 5.7816) ⋅ 0.2184 + (7 − 5.7816) ⋅ 0.3793
2 2

≈ 1.3201
σ X = σ 2X ≈ 1.3201 ≈ 1.1490 or about 1.1 games
22. (a) x (ideal #) P (x) x (ideal #) P ( x) (b)
10 70
0 ≈ 0.0111 4 ≈ 0.0778
900 900
30 17
1 ≈ 0.0333 5 ≈ 0.0189
900 900
520 3
2 ≈ 0.5778 6 ≈ 0.0033
900 900
250
3 ≈ 0.2778
900

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦
≈ 0 (0.0111) + 1(0.0333) + 2 (0.5778) + ... + 6 (0.0033) ≈ 2.448
The average ideal number of children is about 2.4 children.
σ X2 = ∑ ( x − µx ) ⋅ P ( x )
2
(d)
≈ (0 − 2.448)2 ⋅ 0.0111 + (1 − 2.448)2 ⋅ 0.0333 + ... + (6 − 2.448) ⋅ 0.0033 ≈ 0.689
2

σ X = σ 2X ≈ 0.689 ≈ 0.830 or about 0.8 children


23. (a) Total number of ratings: (b)
= 2752 + 2331 + 4215 + 3902 + 1051 =
23,718.
x (Stars) P ( x)
2, 752
1 ≈ 0.1160
23,718
2,331
2 ≈ 0.0983
23,718
4,215
3 ≈ 0.1777
23,718
3,902
4 ≈ 0.1645
23,718
10,518
5 ≈ 0.4435
23,718

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦
≈ 1 ⋅ (0.11160) + 2 ⋅ (0.0983) + 3 ⋅ (0.1777 ) + 4 ⋅ (0.1645) + 5 ⋅ (0.4435) ≈ 3.7211 or about 3.7 stars
If we surveyed many Paper Toss players, the mean rating would be 3.7.
σ X2 = ∑ ( x − µx ) ⋅ P ( x )
2
(d)
≈ (1 − 3.7211) 2 ⋅ 0.1160 + (2 − 3.7211) 2 ⋅ 0.0983 + ... + (5 − 3.7211) ⋅ 0.4435 ≈ 1.9808
2

σ X = σ 2X ≈ 1.9808 ≈ 1.4074 or about 1.4 stars

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


241
Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

24. (a) Total number of individuals: (b)


= 169 + 21 + 4 + 4 = 198.

x (# tickets) P (x)
169
0 ≈ 0.8535
198
21
1 ≈ 0.1061
198
4
2 ≈ 0.0202
198
4
3 ≈ 0.0202
198

(c) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦
≈ 0 (0.8535) + 1(0.1061) + 2 (0.0202) + 3 (0.0202) ≈ 0.2071
If we surveyed many drivers, the mean number of speeding tickets in the past 12 months would be
about 0.2.

σ X2 = ∑ ( x − µx ) ⋅ P ( x )
2
(d)
≈ (0 − 0.2071) 2 ⋅ 0.8535 + (1 − 0.2071) 2 ⋅ 0.1061 + (2 − 0.2071) 2 ⋅ 0.0202 + (3 − 0.2071) 2 ⋅ 0.0202
≈ 0.3258
σ X = σ 2X ≈ 0.3258 ≈ 0.5708 or about 0.6 speeding tickets

25. (a) P ( 4) = 0.099

(b) P ( 4 or 5) = P ( 4) + P (5) = 0.099+0.054 = 0.153

(c) P ( X ≥ 6) = P (6) + P (7) + P (8) = 0.043 + 0.021 + 0.061 = 0.125

(d) E ( X ) = µ X = ∑ x ⋅ P ( x ) = 1(0.313) + 2 (0.244) + 3 (0.165) + ... + 8 (0.061) = 2.855 or about 2.9


We would expect the mother to have had 2.9 live births, on average.
26. (a) P (5) = 0.233

(b) P (5 or 6) = P (5) + P (6) = 0.233 + 0.108 = 0.341

(c) P ( X ≥ 7 ) = P (7 ) + P (8) + P (9) = 0.037 + 0.013 + 0.005 = 0.055

(d) E ( X ) = µX = ∑ x ⋅ P ( x)
= 1(0.011) + 2 (0.028) + 3 (0.228) + ... + 9 (0.005)
= 4.320 or about 4.3
We would expect the unit to have about 4.3 rooms, on average.
27. E ( X ) = ∑ x ⋅ P ( x )
= (200)(0.999544 ) + ( 200 − 250, 000)(0.000456 ) = $86.00
If the company sells many of these policies to 20-year old females, then they will make an average of $86.00
per policy.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


242
Section 6.1: Discrete Random Variables

28. E ( X ) = ∑ x ⋅ P ( x )
= (350)(0.998734) + (350 − 250, 000)(0.001266) = $33.50
If the company sells many of these policies to 20-year old males, then they will make an average of $33.50
per policy.
29. Let X = the profit from the investment
Profit, x ($) 50,000 10,000 −50, 000
Probability 0.2 0.7 0.1
E ( X ) = (50, 000)(0.2) + (10, 000)(0.7 ) + ( −50,000)(0.1) = 12,000
The expected profit for the investment is $12,000.
30. Let X = the profit for reselling the property = sale price – cost. The total cost to Shawn and Maddie will be
$50,000 + $27,000 = $77,000.
Profit, x ($) 43,000 23,000 3,000 −17,000
Probability 0.15 0.45 0.25 0.15
E ( X ) = (43, 000)(0.15) + (23, 000)(0.45) + (3, 000)(0.25) + (−17, 000)(0.15) = 15, 000
Shawn and Maddie can expect to earn a profit of $15,000, on average, if they resold many similar properties.
31. Let X = player winnings for $5 bet on a single number.
Winnings, x ($) 175 −5
1 37
Probability
38 38
⎛1⎞ ⎛ 37 ⎞
E ( X ) = (175) ⎜ ⎟ + ( −5) ⎜ ⎟ = −$0.26
⎝ 38 ⎠ ⎝ 38 ⎠
The expected value of the game to the player is a loss of $0.26. If you played the game 1000 times, you
would expect to lose 1000 ⋅ ($0.26) = $260 .

32. Let X = player winnings for $1 play = cash prize − $1 bet


Matching Numbers 5 4 3 2,1, or 0
Winnings, x ($) 99,999 299 9 −1
Probability 0.0000030804 0.0004621072 0.0133333333 0.9862014791
E ( X ) = (99,999)(0.0000030804) + (299)(0.0004621072) + (9)(0.0133333333) + ( −1)(0.9862014791)
= −$0.42
If the lottery is played many times, a player expects to lose $0.42 per $1 ticket.
33. (a) E ( X ) = ∑ x ⋅ P ( x)
= (15, 000, 000)(0.00000000684) + (200, 000)(0.00000028)
+ (10, 000)(0.000001711) + (100)(0.000153996) + (7 )(0.004778961)
+ (4)(0.007881463) + (3)(0.01450116) + (0)(0.9726824222)
≈ 0.30
After many $1 plays, you would expect to win an average of $0.30 per play. That is, you would lose an
average of $0.70 per $1 play for a net profit of −$0.70 .
(Note: the given probabilities reflect changes made in April 2005 to create larger jackpots that are built
up more quickly. It is interesting to note that prior to the change, the expected cash prize was still
$0.30)
(b) We need to find the break-even point. That is, the point where we expect to win the same amount that
we pay to play. Let x be the grand prize. Set the expected value equation equal to 1 (the cost for one
play) and then solve for x.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


243
Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

E ( X ) = ∑ x ⋅ P ( x)
1 = ( x )(0.00000000684) + ( 200, 000)(0.00000028)
+ (10, 000)(0.000001711) + (100)(0.000153996) + (7 )(0.004778961)
+ (4)(0.007881463) + (3)(0.01450116) + (0)(0.9726824222)
1 = 0.196991659 + 0.00000000684 x
0.803008341 = 0.00000000684 x
117,398,880.3 = x
118, 000, 000 ≈ x
The grand prize should be at least $118,000,000 for you to expect a profit after many $1 plays.
(Note: prior to the changes mentioned in part (a), the grand prize only needed to be about $100 million
to expect a profit after many $1 plays)
(c) No, the size of the grand prize does not affect your chance of winning. Your chance of winning the
grand prize is determined by the number of balls that are drawn and the number of balls from which
they are drawn. However, the size of the grand prize will impact your expected winnings. A larger
grand prize will increase your expected winnings.
34. (a) Let X = the number of points received for the question.
x −1 0 1
4
P ( x ) 0.80 0 0.20
⎛ 1⎞
E ( X ) = ⎜ − ⎟ (0.8) + (0)(0) + (1)(0.2) = −0.2 + 0.2 = 0
⎝ 4⎠
(note: the middle term (0)(0) is not really necessary since we are assuming the student does not leave
the problem blank.)
(b) Answers will vary. There is a deduction for wrong answers to compensate for the fact that you could
simply have guessed correctly. In the long run, pure guessing will lead to 80% incorrect answers and
20% correct answers. The deduction attempts to take this expected result into account.
35. Answers will vary. The simulations illustrate the Law of Large Numbers.
36. Answers will vary. The simulations illustrate the Law of Large Numbers.
37. (a) The mean is the sum of the values divided by the total number of observations.
The mean is: µ X = 160 529
≈ 3.3063 or about 3.3 credit cards
(b) The standard deviation is computed by subtracting the mean from each value, squaring the result, and
summing. Then, to get the population variance, we divide the sum by the number of observations.
The square root of the variance is the standard deviation.
∑ ( x − µx ) (3 − 3.3063)2 + (2 − 3.3063) 2 + ... + (5 − 3.3063)
2 2

σ X2 = = ≈ 5.3585
N 160
σ X = σ 2X ≈ 5.3585 ≈ 2.3148 or about 2.3

(c) x (Cards) P ( x) x (Cards) P ( x) x (Cards) P ( x)


23 13 2
1 = 0.14375 5 = 0.08125 9 = 0.0125
160 160 160
44 7 2
2 = 0.275 6 = 0.04375 10 = 0.0125
160 160 160
43 4 1
3 = 0.26875 7 = 0.025 20 = 0.00625
160 160 160
18 3
4 = 0.1125 8 = 0.01875
160 160

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


244
Section 6.2: The Binomial Probability Distribution

(d)

(e) µ X = ∑ ⎡⎣ x ⋅ P ( x )⎤⎦
≈ 1 ⋅ (0.14375) + 2 ⋅ (0.275) + 3 ⋅ (0.26875) + + 10 ⋅ (0.0125) + 20 ⋅ (0.00625)
≈ 3.3063 or about 3.3 credit cards
σ X2 = ∑ ( x − µx ) ⋅ P ( x )
2

= (1 − 3.3063) 2 ⋅ 0.14375 + (2 − 3.3063)2 ⋅ 0.275 + ... + ( 20 − 3.3063) ⋅ 0.00625


2

≈ 5.234961
σ X = σ 2X ≈ 5.234961 ≈ 2.3076 or about 2.3 credit cards

(f) µ − 2σ = 3.3 − 2 ⋅ 2.3 = −1.3


µ + 2σ = 3.3 + 2 ⋅ 2.3 = 7.9
So, the probability of selecting an individual whose number of credit cards is more than two standard
deviations from the mean is the same as picking someone who has at least 8 credit cards.
P ( X ≥ 8) = P( X = 8) + P( X = 9) + P( X = 10 + P( X = 20)
= 0.01875+0.0125+0.0125 + 0.00625
=0.05
This result is right on the boundary between being unusual and not unusual. We can say that this result
is a little unusual.
⎛ 44 ⎞ ⎛ 43 ⎞
P (Choose 2 with exactly 2 cards ) = ⎜ = 0.0744
⎝ 160 ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 159 ⎟⎠
(g)

Section 6.2
1. trial
2. success; failure
3. True
4. ≤
5. np

6. np (1 − p ) ≥ 10

7. This is not a binomial experiment because there are more than two possible values for the random variable
‘age’.
8. This is not a binomial experiment because there are more than two possible values for the random variable
‘mileage’.

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245
Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

9. This is a binomial experiment. There is a fixed number of trials ( n = 100 where each trial corresponds to
administering the drug to one of the 100 individuals), the trials are independent (due to random selection),
there are two outcomes (favorable or unfavorable response), and the probability of a favorable response is
assumed to be constant for each individual.
10. This is a binomial experiment. There is a fixed number of trials ( n = 1200 where each trial corresponds to
surveying one of the 1200 registered voters), the trials are independent (due to random selection), there are
two outcomes (reform or don’t reform), and the probability of each response is assumed to be constant for
each voter.
11. This is not a binomial experiment because the trials (cards) are not independent and the probability of getting
an ace changes for each trial (card). Because the cards are not replaced, the probability of getting an ace on
the second card depends on what was drawn first.
12. This is a binomial experiment. There is a fixed number of trials ( n = 3 where each trial consists of drawing a
card), the trials are independent (since the cards are drawn with replacement), there are two outcomes (king or
not a king), and the probability of drawing a king remains fixed.
13. This is not a binomial experiment because the number of trials is not fixed.
14. This is not a binomial experiment because the number of trials is not fixed.
15. This is a binomial experiment. There is a fixed number of trials ( n = 100 where each trial corresponds to
selecting one of the 100 parents), the trials are independent (due to random selection), there are two outcomes
(spanked or never spanked), and there is a fixed probability (for a given population) that a parent has ever
spanked their child.
16. This is not a binomial experiment because the trials may not be independent. Since we are selecting
individuals (households) without replacement that make up a large portion of a small population, the trials
might not be independent of each other.
17. Using P( x) = n Cx p x (1 − p) n − x with x = 3 , n = 10 and p = 0.4 :
10!
P(3) = 10 C3 ⋅ (0.4)3 ⋅ (1 − 0.4)10−3 = ⋅ (0.4)3 ⋅ (0.6)7
3!(10 − 3)!
= 120 ⋅ (0.064) ⋅ (0.0279936) ≈ 0.2150

18. Using P( x) = n Cx p x (1 − p) n − x with x = 12 , n = 15 and p = 0.85 :


15!
P(12) = 15 C12 ⋅ (0.85)12 ⋅ (1 − 0.85)15−12 = ⋅ (0.85)12 ⋅ (0.15)3
12!(15 − 12)!
= 455 ⋅ (0.1422...) ⋅ (0.003375) ≈ 0.2184

19. Using P( x) = n Cx p x (1 − p) n − x with x = 38 , n = 40 and p = 0.99 :


40!
P(38) = 40 C38 ⋅ (0.99)38 ⋅ (1 − 0.99) 40−38 = ⋅ (0.99)38 ⋅ (0.01)2
38!(40 − 38)!
= 780 ⋅ (0.6825...) ⋅ (0.0001) ≈ 0.0532

20. Using P( x) = n Cx p x (1 − p) n − x with x = 3 , n = 50 and p = 0.02 :


50!
P(3) = 50 C3 ⋅ (0.02)3 ⋅ (1 − 0.02)50 −3 = ⋅ (0.02)3 ⋅ (0.98) 47
3!(50 − 3)!
= 19, 600 ⋅ (0.000008) ⋅ (0.3869...) ≈ 0.0607

21. Using P( x) = n Cx p x (1 − p) n − x with x = 3 , n = 8 and p = 0.35 :


8!
P(3) = 8 C3 ⋅ (0.35)3 ⋅ (1 − 0.35)8−3 = ⋅ (0.35)3 ⋅ (0.65)5
3!(8 − 3)!
= 56 ⋅ (0.42875)(0.116029...) ≈ 0.2786

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22. Using P( x) = n Cx p x (1 − p) n − x with x = 17 , n = 20 and p = 0.6 :


20!
P(17) = 20 C17 ⋅ (0.6)17 ⋅ (1 − 0.6)20 −17 = ⋅ (0.6)17 ⋅ (0.4)3
17!(20 − 17)!
= 1140 ⋅ (0.000169...)(0.064) ≈ 0.0123
23. Using n = 9 and p = 0.2 :
P ( X ≤ 3) = P (0) + P (1) + P ( 2) + P (3)
=9 C0 ⋅ (0.2) (0.8) +9 C1 ⋅ (0.2) (0.8) +9 C2 ⋅ (0.2) (0.8) + 9 C3 ⋅ (0.2) (0.8)
0 9 1 8 2 7 3 6

≈ 0.134218 + 0.301990 + 0.301990 + 0.176161 ≈ 0.9144


24. Using n = 10 and p = 0.65 :
P ( X < 5) = P ( X ≤ 4)
= P (0) + P (1) + P ( 2) + P (3) + P ( 4)
=10 C0 ⋅ (0.65) (0.35) +10 C1 ⋅ (0.65) (0.35) +10 C2 ⋅ (0.65) (0.35)
0 10 1 9 2 8

+10 C3 ⋅ (0.65) (0.35) +10 C4 ⋅ (0.65) (0.35)


3 7 4 6

≈ 0.000028 + 0.000512 + 0.004281 + 0.021203 + 0.068910 ≈ 0.0949


25. Using n = 7 and p = 0.5 :
P ( X > 3) = P ( X ≥ 4)
= P ( 4 ) + P (5 ) + P ( 6 ) + P ( 7 )
= 7 C4 ⋅ (0.5) (0.5) + 7 C5 ⋅ (0.5) (0.5) + 7 C6 ⋅ (0.5) (0.5) + 7 C7 ⋅ (0.5) (0.5)
4 3 5 2 6 1 7 0

= 0.2734375 + 0.1640625 + 0.0546875 + 0.0078125 = 0.5


26. Using n = 20 and p = 0.7 :
P ( X ≥ 12) = P (12) + P (13) + P (14) + ... + P (19) + P ( 20)
= 20 C12 ⋅ (0.7) (0.3)8 + 20 C13 ⋅ (0.7 )13 (0.3)7 + 20 C14 ⋅ (0.7 )14 (0.3)6 + ...
12

+ 20 C19 ⋅ (0.7 ) (0.3) + 20 C20 ⋅ (0.7 ) (0.3)


19 1 20 0

≈ 0.114397 + 0.164262 + 0.191639 + ... + 0.006839 + 0.000798 ≈ 0.8867


27. Using n = 12 and p = 0.35 :
P ( X ≤ 4) = P (0) + P (1) + P ( 2) + P (3) + P ( 4)
=12 C0 ⋅ (0.35) (0.65) +12 C1 ⋅ (0.35) (0.65) +12 C2 ⋅ (0.35) (0.65)
0 12 1 11 2 10

+12 C3 ⋅ (0.35) (0.65) +12 C4 ⋅ (0.35) (0.65)


3 9 4 8

≈ 0.005688 + 0.036753 + 0.108846 + 0.195365 + 0.236692 ≈ 0.5833


28. Using n = 11 and p = 0.75 :
P ( X ≥ 8) = P (8) + P (9) + P (10) + P (11)
= 11C8 ⋅ (0.75) (0.25) + 11C9 ⋅ (0.75) (0.25)
8 3 9 2

+ 11C10 ⋅ (0.75) (0.25) + 11C11 ⋅ (0.75) (0.25)


10 1 11 0

≈ 0.258104 + 0.258104 + 0.154862 + 0.042235 ≈ 0.7133

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Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

29. (a)
Distribution x ⋅ P ( x) ( x − µx ) 2 ⋅ P ( x )
x P( x) 0.0000 0.3812
0 0.1176 0.3025 0.1936
1 0.3025 0.6483 0.0130
2 0.3241 0.5557 0.2667
3 0.1852 0.2381 0.2881
4 0.0595 0.0510 0.1045
5 0.0102 0.0044 0.0129
6 0.0007 ∑ 1.8000 1.2600

(b) µ X = 1.8 (from first column in table above and to the right)
σ X = σ 2X = 1.26 ≈ 1.1 (from second column in table above and to the right)

(c) µ X = n ⋅ p = 6 ⋅ (0.3) = 1.8 and σ X = n ⋅ p ⋅ (1 − p) = (6) ⋅ (0.3) ⋅ (0.7) ≈ 1.1

(d)

The distribution is skewed right.

30. (a)
Distribution x ⋅ P ( x) ( x − µx ) 2 ⋅ P ( x )
x P( x) 0.0000 0.0625
0 0.0039 0.0313 0.2813
1 0.0313 0.2188 0.4375
2 0.1094 0.6563 0.2188
3 0.2188 1.0938 0.0000
4 0.2734 1.0938 0.2188
5 0.2188 0.6563 0.4375
6 0.1094 0.2188 0.2813
7 0.0313 0.0312 0.0625
8 0.0039 ∑ 4.0000 2.0000

(b) µ X = 4.0 (from first column in table above and to the right)
σ X = σ 2X = 2.0 ≈ 1.4 (from second column in table above and to the right)

(c) µ X = n ⋅ p = 8 ⋅ (0.5) = 4 and σ X = n ⋅ p ⋅ (1 − p) = 8 ⋅ (0.5) ⋅ (0.5) ≈ 1.4

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Section 6.2: The Binomial Probability Distribution

(d)

The distribution is symmetric.

31. (a)
Distribution x ⋅ P ( x) ( x − µx ) 2 ⋅ P ( x )
x P( x) 0.0000 0.0002
0 0.0000 0.0001 0.0034
1 0.0001 0.0025 0.0279
2 0.0012 0.0260 0.1217
3 0.0087 0.1557 0.2944
4 0.0389 0.5840 0.3577
5 0.1168 1.4016 0.1314
6 0.2336 2.1024 0.0188
7 0.3003 1.8020 0.3520
8 0.2253 0.6758 0.3801
9 0.0751 ∑ 6.7500 1.6876

(b) µ X = 6.75 (from first column in table above and to the right)
σ X = σ 2X = 1.6876 ≈ 1.3 (from second column in table above and to the right)

(c) µ X = n ⋅ p = 9 ⋅ (0.75) = 6.75 and σ X = n ⋅ p ⋅ (1 − p) = (9) ⋅ (0.75) ⋅ (0.25) ≈ 1.3

(d)

The distribution is skewed left.

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Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

32. (a)
Distribution x ⋅ P ( x) ( x − µx ) 2 ⋅ P ( x )
x P( x) 0.0000 0.4295
0 0.1074 0.2684 0.2684
1 0.2684 0.6040 0.0000
2 0.3020 0.6040 0.2013
3 0.2013 0.3523 0.3523
4 0.0881 0.1321 0.2378
5 0.0264 0.0330 0.0881
6 0.0055 0.0055 0.0197
7 0.0008 0.0006 0.0027
8 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002
9 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
10 0.0000 ∑ 1.9999 1.6000

(b) µ X = 2.0 (from first column in table above and to the right)
σ X = σ 2X = 1.6000 ≈ 1.3 (from second column in table above and to the right)

(c) µ X = n ⋅ p = 10 ⋅ (0.2) = 2 and σ X = n ⋅ p ⋅ (1 − p) = 10 ⋅ (0.2) ⋅ (0.8) ≈ 1.3

(d)

The distribution is skewed right.

33. (a)
Distribution x ⋅ P ( x) ( x − µx ) 2 ⋅ P ( x )
x P( x) 0.0000 0.0250
0 0.0010 0.0098 0.1568
1 0.0098 0.0878 0.3952
2 0.0439 0.3516 0.4690
3 0.1172 0.8204 0.2053
4 0.2051 1.2305 0.0000
5 0.2461 1.2306 0.2049
6 0.2051 e0.8204 0.4686
7 0.1172 0.3512 0.3950
8 0.0439 0.0882 0.1568
9 0.0098 0.0100 0.0250
10 0.0010 ∑ 5.0005 2.5016

(b) µ X = 5.0 (from first column in table above and to the right)
σ X = σ 2X = 2.5016 ≈ 1.6 (from second column in table above and to the right)

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Section 6.2: The Binomial Probability Distribution

(c) µ X = n ⋅ p = 10 ⋅ (0.5) = 5 and σ X = n ⋅ p ⋅ (1 − p) = 10 ⋅ (0.5) ⋅ (0.5) ≈ 1.6

(d)

The distribution is symmetric.

34. (a)
Distribution x ⋅ P ( x) ( x − µx ) 2 ⋅ P ( x )
x P( x) 0.0000 0.0000
0 0.0000 0.0000 0.0007
1 0.0000 0.0006 0.0080
2 0.0003 0.0083 0.0486
3 0.0028 0.0661 0.1691
4 0.0165 0.3303 0.3197
5 0.0661 1.0570 0.2537
6 0.1762 2.1139 0.0121
7 0.3020 2.4159 0.1933
8 0.3020 1.2080 0.4349
9 0.1342 ∑ 7.2000 1.4400

(b) µ X = 7.2 (from first column in table above and to the right)
σ X = σ 2X = 1.44 = 1.2 (from second column in table above and to the right)

(c) µ X = n ⋅ p = 9 ⋅ (0.8) = 7.2 and σ X = n ⋅ p ⋅ (1 − p) = (9) ⋅ (0.8) ⋅ (0.2) = 1.2

(d)

The distribution is skewed left.

35. (a) This is a binomial experiment because it satisfies each of the four requirements:
1) There are a fixed number of trials ( n = 15 ).
2) The trials are all independent (randomly selected).
3) For each trial, there are only two possible outcomes (‘on time’ and ‘not on time’).
4) The probability of “success” (i.e. on time) is the same for all trials ( p = 0.65 ).
(b) We have n = 15 , p = 0.80 , and x = 10 . In the binomial table, we go to the section for n = 15 and the
column that contains p = 0.80 . Within the n = 15 section, we look for the row x = 10 .

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Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

P (10) = 0.1032
There is a probability of 0.1032 that in a random sample of 15 such flights, exactly 10 will be on time.
(c) P ( X < 10) = P ( X ≤ 9) , so using the cumulative binomial table, we go to the section for n = 15 and
the column that contains p = 0.8 . Within the n = 15 section, we look for the row x = 9 . We find
P ( X ≤ 9) = 0.0611 . In a random sample of 15 such flights, there is a 0.0611 probability that less than
10 flights will be on time.
(d) Here we wish to find P ( X ≥ 10) . Using the complement rule we can write:
P ( X ≥ 10) = 1 − P ( X < 10) = 1 − P ( X ≤ 9) = 1 − 0.0611 = 0.9389 In a random sample of 15 such
flights, there is a 0.9389 probability that at least 10 flights will be on time.
(e) Using the binomial probability table we get:
P (8 ≤ X ≤ 10) = P (8) + P (9) + P (10) = 0.0138 + 0.0430 + 0.1032 = 0.1600

Using the cumulative binomial probability table we get:


P (8 ≤ X ≤ 10) = P ( X ≤ 10) − P ( X ≤ 7) = 0.1642 − 0.0042 = 0.1600
In a random sample of 15 such flights, there is a 0.1600 probability that between 8 and 10 flights,
inclusive, will be on time.
36. (a) This is a binomial experiment because it satisfies each of the four requirements:
1) There are a fixed number of trials ( n = 10 ).
2) The trials are all independent (randomly selected).
3) For each trial, there are only two possible outcomes (‘started before 21’ and ‘did
not start before 21’).
4) The probability of “success” (i.e. started before 21) is the same for all trials ( p = 0.9 ).
(b) We have n = 10 , p = 0.9 , and x = 8 .
10!
P(8) = 10 C8 ⋅ (0.9)8 ⋅ (1 − 0.9)10 −8 = ⋅ (0.9)8 ⋅ (0.1)2 = 45 ⋅ (0.9)8 ⋅ (0.1)2 = 0.1937
8!(10 − 8)!
There is a 0.1937 probability that in a random sample of 10 adult smokers, exactly 8 started smoking
before they were 21 years of age.
(c) Using the cumulative binomial probability table, we get: P( X < 8) = P( X ≤ 7) = 0.0702 .
In a random sample of 10 adult smokers, there is a 0.0702 probability that less than 8 started smoking
before they were 21 years of age.
(d) P( X ≥ 8) = 1 − P ( X < 8) = 1 − 0.0702 = 0.9298
In a random sample of 10 adult smokers, there is a 0.9298 probability that at least 8 started smoking
before they were 21 years of age.
(e) P(7 ≤ X ≤ 9) = P (7) + P(8) + P(9)
= 10 C7 ⋅ (0.9)7 ⋅ (1 − 0.9)10 − 7 + 10 C8 ⋅ (0.9)8 ⋅ (1 − 0.9)10−8 + 10 C9 ⋅ (0.9)9 ⋅ (1 − 0.9)10− 9
≈ 0.057396 + 0.193710 + 0.387420 ≈ 0.6385
In a random sample of 10 adult smokers, there is a 0.6385 probability that between 7 and 9, inclusive,
started smoking before they were 21 years of age.
37. (a) We can either use the binomial probability table or compute the probability by hand:
25!
P( X = 15) = 25 C15 ⋅ (0.45)15 ⋅ (1 − 0.45) 25−15 = ⋅ (0.45)15 ⋅ (0.55)10
15!(25 − 15)!
= 3, 268, 760 ⋅ (0.45)15 ⋅ (0.55)10 = 0.0520
In a random sample of 25 adult Americans, there is a probability of 0.0520 that exactly 15 will say the
state of morals is poor.

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Section 6.2: The Binomial Probability Distribution

(b) Using the cumulative binomial probability table, we find:


P( X ≤ 10) = P(0) + P (1) + P (2) + + P (10) = 0.3843 . We expect that, in a random sample of 25 adult
Americans, there is a probability of 0.3843 that no more than 10 will state that they feel the state of
morals is poor.
(c) P( X > 16) = 1 − P ( X ≤ 16) = 1 − 0.9826 = 0.0174
There is a probability of 0.0174 that more than 16 people in a sample of 25 would state that the
condition of morals is poor in the United States.
(d) Using the binomial probability table, we find:
P( X = 13 or X = 14) = P(13) + P (14) = 0.1236 + 0.0867 = 0.2103
There is a probability of 0.2103 that 13 or 14 people in a sample of 25 would state that the condition of
morals is poor in the United States.
(e) Using the cumulative binomial probability table, we find that the probability that more than 20 would
state that the condition of morals is poor is: P( X ≥ 20) = 1 − P ( X ≤ 19) = 1 − 0.9996 = 0.0004
Since this profanity is less than 0.05, it would be unusual to find that 20 or more adults in a random
sample of 25 adult Americans feel that the condition of morals is poor in the United States.
38. (a) We can either use the binomial probability table or compute the probability by hand:
20!
P( X = 3) = 20 C3 ⋅ (0.05)3 ⋅ (1 − 0.05) 20 −3 = ⋅ (0.05)3 ⋅ (0.95)17
3!(20 − 3)!
= 1140 ⋅ (0.05)3 ⋅ (0.95)17 = 0.0596
In a random sample of 20 Clarinex-D users, there is a probability of 0.0520 that exactly 3 will
experience insomnia as a side effect.
(b) Using the cumulative binomial probability table, we find: P( X ≤ 3) = 0.9841 . We expect that, in a
random sample of 20 Clarinex-D users, there is a probability of 0.9841 that no more than 3 will have
insomnia as a side effect.
(c) Using the binomial probability table we get:
P(1 ≤ X ≤ 4) = P (1) + P (2) + P(3) + P(4) = 0.3774 + 0.1887 + 0.0596 + 0.0133 = 0.6389 .
Alternatively, we can find this probability using the cumulative binomial probability table:
P(1 ≤ X ≤ 4) = P ( X ≤ 4) − P( X ≤ 0) = P ( X ≤ 4) − P(0) = 0.9974 − 0.3585 = 0.6389
There is a probability of 0.6389 that out of a sample of 20 Clarinex-D users, between 1 and 4 of the
users would experience insomnia as a side effect.
(d) Using the results from part (b), we find: P( X ≥ 4) = 1 − P( X < 4) = 1 − P ( X ≤ 3) = 1 − 0.9841 = 0.0159
There is a probability of 0.0159 that 4 or more of a sample of 20 Clarinex-D users, would experience
insomnia as a side effect. Since this probability is less than 0.05, this would be unusual.
39. (a) Calculating this probability by hand, we get:
10!
P( X = 4) = 10 C4 ⋅ (0.267)4 ⋅ (1 − 0.733)10− 4 = ⋅ (0.267)4 ⋅ (0.733)6
4!(10 − 4)!
= 210 ⋅ (0.267)4 ⋅ (0.733)6 = 0.1655
In a random sample of 10 people, there is a probability of 0.1655 that exactly 4 will cover their mouth
when sneezing.
(b) P( X < 3) = P (0) + P (1) + P (2)
= 10 C0 ⋅ (0.267)10 ⋅ (0.733)0 + 10 C1 ⋅ (0.267)9 ⋅ (0.733)1 + 10 C2 ⋅ (0.267)8 ⋅ (0.733) 2
= 1⋅ (0.267)10 ⋅ (0.733)0 + 10 ⋅ (0.267)9 ⋅ (0.733)1 + 45 ⋅ (0.267)8 ⋅ (0.733)2
= 0.0448 + 0.1631 + 0.2673
= 0.4752
We expect that, in a random sample of 10 adult Americans, there is a probability of 0.4752 that less
than 3 will cover their mouth when sneezing.

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Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

(c) If fewer than half covered their mouth, then at least half did not cover their mouth. In other words, 5
or more out of the 10 people did not cover their mouth.
P( X ≥ 5) = P (5) + P(6) + P (7) + P(8) + P (9) + P(10)
= 10 C5 ⋅ (0.267)5 ⋅ (0.733)5 + 10 C6 ⋅ (0.267)6 ⋅ (0.733) 4 + 10 C7 ⋅ (0.267)7 ⋅ (0.733)3
+ 10 C8 ⋅ (0.267)8 ⋅ (0.733) 2 + 10 C9 ⋅ (0.267)9 ⋅ (0.733)1 + 10 C10 ⋅ (0.267)10 ⋅ (0.733)0
= 252 ⋅ (0.267)5 ⋅ (0.733)5 + 210 ⋅ (0.267)6 ⋅ (0.733)4 + 120 ⋅ (0.267)7 ⋅ (0.733)3
+ 45 ⋅ (0.267)8 ⋅ (0.733)2 + 10 ⋅ (0.267)9 ⋅ (0.733)1 + 1 ⋅ (0.267)10 ⋅ (0.733)0
= 0.0724 + 0.0220 + 0.0046 + 0.0006 + 0.0001 + 0.0000
= 0.0996 or 0.0997, depending upon rounding
In a random sample of 10 people, there is a probability of 0.0997 that fewer than half will cover their
mouth when sneezing. This is not unusual.
40. (a) We illustrate how to compute the probability by hand:
15!
P( X = 2) = 15 C2 ⋅ (0.047) 2 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15− 2 = ⋅ (0.047)2 ⋅ (0.953)13
2!(15 − 2)!
= 105 ⋅ (0.047) 2 ⋅ (0.953)13 = 0.1240
In a random sample of 15 randomly observed individuals, there is a probability of 0.1240 that exactly 2
will cover their mouth with a tissue.
(b) Computing the probabilities by hand, we find:
P( X < 3) = P ( X = 0) + P( X = 1) + P ( X = 2)
= 15 C0 ⋅ (0.047)0 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15− 0 + 15 C1 ⋅ (0.047)1 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15−1 + 15 C2 ⋅ (0.047) 2 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15− 2
= 1⋅ (0.047)0 ⋅ (0.953)15 + 15 ⋅ (0.047)1 ⋅ (0.953)14 + 105 ⋅ (0.047)2 ⋅ (0.953)13
= 0.4857+0.3593+0.1240
= 0.9690 or 0.9691, depending upon rounding
In a random sample of 15 randomly observed individuals, there is a probability of 0.9691 that less than
3 people will cover their mouth with a tissue.
(c) Computing the probabilities by hand, we find:
P( X > 4) = 1 − P( X ≤ 4)
= 1 − [ P ( X = 0) + P( X = 1) + P( X = 2) + P( X = 3) + P( X = 4) ]
= 1 − [ 15 C0 ⋅ (0.047)0 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15− 0 + 15 C1 ⋅ (0.047)1 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15−1 + 15 C2 ⋅ (0.047) 2 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15− 2
+ 15 C3 ⋅ (0.047)3 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15−3 + 15 C4 ⋅ (0.047) 4 ⋅ (1 − 0.047)15− 4 ]
= 1 − [0.4857+0.3593+0.1240 + 0.0265+0.0039]
= 0.0005 or 0.0006, depending upon rounding
In a random sample of 15 randomly observed individuals, there is a probability of 0.0005 that more
than 4 people will cover their mouth with a tissue. This event is unusual, since the probability is less
than 0.05. It would be surprising to observe this.
2
41. (a) The proportion of the jury that is Hispanic is: = 0.1667. So, about 16.67% of the jury is Hispanic.
12

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Section 6.2: The Binomial Probability Distribution

(b) We can compute this by hand or use the binomial probability table. By hand, we have:
P( X ≤ 2) = P ( X = 0) + P( X = 1) + P ( X = 2)
= ⋅ (0.45)0 ⋅ (1 − 0.45)12− 0 + 12 C1 ⋅ (0.45)1 ⋅ (1 − 0.45)12−1 + 12 C2 ⋅ (0.45)2 ⋅ (1 − 0.45)12 − 2
12 C0
12! 12! 12!
= ⋅ (0.45)0 ⋅ (0.55)12 + ⋅ (0.45)1 ⋅ (0.55)11 + ⋅ (0.45) 2 ⋅ (0.55)10
0!(12 − 0)! 1!(12 − 1)! 2!(12 − 2)!
= 1⋅ (0.45)0 ⋅ (0.55)12 + 12 ⋅ (0.45)1 ⋅ (0.55)11 + 66 ⋅ (0.45)2 ⋅ (0.55)10
= 0.0008+0.0075+0.0339
=0.0421 or 0.0422, depending on rounding
In a random sample of 12 jurors, there is a probability of 0.421 that 2 or fewer would be Hispanic.
(c) The probability in part (b) is less than 0.05, so this is an unusual event. I would argue that Hispanics
are underrepresented on the jury and that the jury selection process was nor fair.
42. Computing the probability by hand, we get:
P( X ≥ 17) = 1 − P( X < 17)
= 1 − [ P ( X = 0) + P( X = 1) + P( X = 2) + + P ( X = 15) + P( X = 16)]
= 1 − [0.00002 + 0.0002 + 0.0012 + 0.0045 + 0.0124 + 0.0271 + 0.0491 + 0.0756 + 0.1014
+ 0.1200 + 0.1272 + 0.1218 + 0.1062 + 0.085 + 0.0628 + 0.043 + 0.0275]
= 0.0348 or 0.0350, depending on rounding
In a random sample of 175 adult Americans, there is a probability of 0.0348 that at least 17will say their car is
red.
43. (a) We have n = 100 and p = 0.80 .
µ X = n ⋅ p = 100 (0.80) = 80 flights; σ X = np (1 − p ) = 100(.80)(1 − .80) = 16 = 4 flights

(b) We expect that, in a random sample of 100 flights from Orlando to Los Angeles, 80 will be on time.
(c) Since np (1 − p ) = 16 ≥ 10 the distribution is approximately bell shaped (approximately normal) and
we can apply the Empirical Rule.
µ X − 2σ X = 80 − 2 (4) = 72
Since 75 is less than 2 standard deviations below the mean, we would conclude that it would not be
unusual to observe 75 on-time flights in a sample of 100 flights.
44. (a) We have n = 200 and p = 0.9 .
µ X = n ⋅ p = 200 (0.9) = 180 smokers; σ X = np (1 − p ) = (200) ⋅ (0.9) ⋅ (0.1) = 18 ≈ 4.2

(b) In a random sample of 200 adult smokers, we expect 180 to have started before turning 21 years old.
(c) Since np (1 − p ) = 200 (0.9)(0.1) = 18 ≥ 10 , we can use the Empirical Rule to check for unusual
observations.
185 is above the mean, and we have µ X + 2σ X = 180 + 2 (4.2) = 188.4 .
This indicates that 185 is within two standard deviations of the mean. Therefore, it would not be
considered unusual to find 185 smokers who started before turning 21 years old., from a sample of 200
smokers.
45. (a) We have n = 500 and p = 0.45 .
µ X = n ⋅ p = 500 (0.45) = 225 adult Americans;
σ X = np (1 − p ) = 500(.45)(1 − .45) = 123.75 ≈ 11.1 adult Americans

(b) In a random sample of 500 adult Americans, we expect 225 to believe that the overall state of moral
values in the United States is poor.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


255
Chapter 6: Discrete Probability Distributions

(c) Since np (1 − p ) = 500 (0.45)(0.55) = 123.75 ≥ 10 , we can use the Empirical Rule to check for unusual
observations.
240 is above the mean, and we have µ X + 2σ X = 225 + 2 (11.1) = 247.2 > 240 .
This indicates that 240 is within two standard deviations of the mean. Therefore, it would not be
considered unusual to find 240 people who believe the overall state of moral values in the United
States is poor in a sample of 500 adult Americans.
46. (a) We have n = 240 and p = 0.05 .
E ( X ) = µ X = n ⋅ p = 240 (0.05) = 12 patients with insomnia
We would expect 12 patients from a sample of 240 to experience insomnia as a side effect.
(b) Since np (1 − p ) = 11.4 ≥ 10 , we can use the Empirical Rule to check for unusual observations.
σ X = np (1 − p ) = (240) ⋅ (0.05) ⋅ (0.95) ≈ 3.4
20 is above the mean, and we have µ X + 2σ X = 12 + 2 (3.4) = 18.8 .
This indicates that 20 is more than two standard deviations above the mean.
It would be unusual to observe 20 patients from a sample of 240 experience insomnia as a side effect
because P ( 20) = 240 C20 ⋅ (0.05) (0.95)220 ≈ 0.0088 < 0.05 .
20

47. We have n = 1030 and p = 0.80 .


E ( X ) = µ X = n ⋅ p = 1030 (0.80) = 824. If attitudes have not changed, we expect 824 of the parents surveyed
to spank their children.
Since np (1 − p ) = 164.8 ≥ 10 , we can use the Empirical rule to check if 781 would be an unusual observation.
σ X = np (1 − p ) = 1030 (0.80)(1 − 0.80) = 164.8 ≈ 12.8
781 is below the mean and we have µ X − 2σ X = 824 − 2 (12.8) = 798.4 . Since 781 is more than two standard
deviations away from the mean, it would be considered unusual if 781 parents from a sample of 1030 said
they spank their children. This suggests that parents attitudes have changed since 1995.
48. We have n = 1100 and p = 0.11 .
E ( X ) = µ X = n ⋅ p = 1100 (0.11) = 121. If attitudes have not changed, we expect 121 of the respondents to
state that they have a great deal of trust and confidence in the federal government’s handling of domestic
issues.
Since np (1 − p ) = 107.69 ≥ 10 , we can use the Empirical rule to check if 84 would be an unusual observation.
σ X = np (1 − p ) = 1100 (0.11)(1 − 0.11) = 107.69 ≈ 10.4
84 is below the mean and we have µ X − 2σ X = 121 − 2 (10.4) = 100.2 . Since 84 is more than two standard
deviations away from the mean, it would be considered unusual if 84 of the respondents to state that they
have a great deal of trust and confidence in the federal government’s handling of domestic issues. This
suggests that people’s attitudes have changed since May 2000.
49. We have n = 1000 and p = 0.536 .
µ X = n ⋅ p = 1000 (0.536) = 536 ; σ X = np (1 − p ) = 1000 (0.536)(1 − 0.536) = 248.704 ≈ 15.8
Since 600 > µ X + 2σ X = 536 + 2 (15.8) = 567.6 , it would be considered unusual to find 600 searches using
Google in a random sample of 1000 U.S. internet searches.
50. Since np (1 − p ) ≥ 10 , we can use the Empirical rule to check for unusual observations.
µ X = n ⋅ p = 400 (0.184) = 73.6 ; σ X = np (1 − p ) = (400) ⋅ (0.184) ⋅ (0.816) ≈ 7.7
86 is above the mean and we have µ X + 2σ X = 73.6 + 2 (7.7 ) = 89 . Since 86 is within two standard deviations

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.


256
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Title: My life on the plains


Personal experiences with Indians

Author: George A. Custer

Release date: April 30, 2024 [eBook #73498]

Language: English

Original publication: New York: Sheldon and Company, 1874

Credits: Emmanuel Ackerman and the Online Distributed


Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file
was produced from images generously made available
by The Internet Archive)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY LIFE ON


THE PLAINS ***
Transcriber’s Note
Larger versions of most illustrations may be seen by right-
clicking them and selecting an option to view them separately,
or by double-tapping and/or stretching them.
The Transcriber added the Table of Contents directly
below.
Additional notes will be found near the end of this ebook.

CONTENTS
I. 5
II. 13
III. 20
IV. 31
V. 40
VI. 48
VII. 55
VIII. 69
IX. 79
X. 86
XI. 99
XII. 113
XIII. 124
XIV. 139
XV. 154
XVI. 170
XVII. 184
XVIII. 193
XIX. 202
XX. 215
Truly yours
G. A. Custer
MY LIFE ON THE PLAINS.
OR,

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH


INDIANS.
BY

GEN. G. A. CUSTER, U. S. A.

NEW YORK:
SHELDON AND COMPANY,
677 BROADWAY, AND 214 & 216 MERCER STREET,
Under Grand Central Hotel.

1874.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
SHELDON & Co.,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Electrotyped by Smith & McDougal, 82 Beekman St., N. Y.


LIFE ON THE PLAINS.
I
AS a fitting introduction to some of the personal incidents and
sketches which I shall hereafter present to the readers of “The
Galaxy,” a brief description of the country in which these events
transpired may not be deemed inappropriate.
It is but a few years ago that every schoolboy, supposed to
possess the rudiments of a knowledge of the geography of the
United States, could give the boundaries and a general description
of the “Great American Desert.” As to the boundary the knowledge
seemed to be quite explicit: on the north bounded by the Upper
Missouri, on the east by the Lower Missouri and Mississippi, on the
south by Texas, and on the west by the Rocky Mountains. The
boundaries on the northwest and south remained undisturbed, while
on the east civilization, propelled and directed by Yankee enterprise,
adopted the motto, “Westward the star of empire takes its way.”
Countless throngs of emigrants crossed the Mississippi and Missouri
rivers, selecting homes in the rich and fertile territories lying beyond.
Each year this tide of emigration, strengthened and increased by the
flow from foreign shores, advanced toward the setting sun, slowly
but surely narrowing the preconceived limits of the “Great American
Desert,” and correspondingly enlarging the limits of civilization. At
last the geographical myth was dispelled. It was gradually discerned
that the Great American Desert did not exist, that it had no abiding
place, but that within its supposed limits, and instead of what had
been regarded as a sterile and unfruitful tract of land, incapable of
sustaining either man or beast, there existed the fairest and richest
portion of the national domain, blessed with a climate pure, bracing,
and healthful, while its undeveloped soil rivalled if it did not surpass
the most productive portions of the Eastern, Middle, or Southern
States.
Discarding the name “Great American Desert,” this immense
tract of country, with its eastern boundary moved back by civilization
to a distance of nearly three hundred miles west of the Missouri river,
is now known as “The Plains,” and by this more appropriate title it
shall be called when reference to it is necessary. The Indian tribes
which have caused the Government most anxiety and whose
depredations have been most serious against our frontier
settlements and prominent lines of travel across the Plains, infest
that portion of the Plains bounded on the north by the valley of the
Platte river and its tributaries, on the east by a line running north and
south between the 97th and 98th meridians, on the south by the
valley of the Arkansas river, and west by the Rocky Mountains—
although by treaty stipulations almost every tribe with which the
Government has recently been at war is particularly debarred from
entering or occupying any portion of this tract of country.
Of the many persons whom I have met on the Plains as transient
visitors from the States or from Europe, there are few who have not
expressed surprise that their original ideas concerning the
appearance and characteristics of the country were so far from
correct, or that the Plains in imagination, as described in books,
tourists’ letters, or reports of isolated scientific parties, differed so
widely from the Plains as they actually exist and appear to the eye.
Travellers, writers of fiction, and journalists have spoken and written
a great deal concerning this immense territory, so unlike in all its
qualities and characteristics to the settled and cultivated portion of
the United States; but to a person familiar with the country the
conclusion is forced, upon reading these published descriptions,
either that the writers never visited but a limited portion of the
country they aim to describe, or, as is most commonly the case at
the present day, that the journey was made in a stage-coach or
Pullman car, half of the distance travelled in the night time, and but
occasional glimpses taken during the day. A journey by rail across
the Plains is at best but ill adapted to a thorough or satisfactory
examination of the general character of the country, for the reason
that in selecting the route for railroads the valley of some stream is, if
practicable, usually chosen to contain the road-bed. The valley being
considerably lower than the adjacent country, the view of the tourist
is correspondingly limited. Moreover, the vastness and varied
character of this immense tract could not fairly be determined or
judged of by a flying trip across one portion of it. One would scarcely
expect an accurate opinion to be formed of the swamps of Florida
from a railroad journey from New York to Niagara.
After indulging in criticisms on the written descriptions of the
Plains, I might reasonably be expected to enter into what I conceive
a correct description, but I forbear. Beyond a general outline
embracing some of the peculiarities of this slightly known portion of
our country, the limits and character of these sketches of Western life
will not permit me to go.
The idea entertained by the greater number of people regarding
the appearance of the Plains, while it is very incorrect so far as the
latter are concerned, is quite accurate and truthful if applied to the
prairies of the Western States. It is probable, too, that romance
writers, and even tourists at an earlier day, mistook the prairies for
the Plains, and in describing one imagined they were describing the
other; whereas the two have little in common to the eye of the
beholder, save the general absence of trees.
In proceeding from the Missouri river to the base of the Rocky
Mountains, the ascent, although gradual, is quite rapid. For example,
at Fort Riley, Kansas, the bed of the Kansas river is upward of 1,000
feet above the level of the sea, while Fort Hays, at a distance of
nearly 150 miles further west, is about 1,500 feet above the level of
the sea. Starting from almost any point near the central portion of the
Plains, and moving in any direction, one seems to encounter a series
of undulations at a more or less remote distance from each other, but
constantly in view. Comparing the surface of the country to that of
the ocean, a comparison often indulged in by those who have seen
both, it does not require a very great stretch of the imagination, when
viewing this boundless ocean of beautiful living verdure, to picture
these successive undulations as gigantic waves, not wildly chasing
each other to or from the shore, but standing silent and immovable,
and by their silent immobility adding to the impressive grandeur of
the scene. These undulations, varying in height from fifty to five
hundred feet, are sometimes formed of a light sandy soil, but often of
different varieties of rock, producing at a distance the most
picturesque effect. The constant recurrence of these waves, if they
may be so termed, is quite puzzling to the inexperienced plainsman.
He imagines, and very naturally too, judging from appearances, that
when he ascends to the crest he can overlook all the surrounding
country. After a weary walk or ride of perhaps several miles, which
appeared at starting not more than one or two, he finds himself at
the desired point, but discovers that directly beyond, in the direction
he desires to go, rises a second wave, but slightly higher than the
first, and from the crest of which he must certainly be able to scan
the country as far as the eye can reach. Thither he pursues his
course, and after a ride of from five to ten miles, although the
distance did not seem half so great before starting, he finds himself
on the crest, or, as it is invariably termed, the “divide,” but again only
to discover that another and apparently a higher divide rises in his
front, and at about the same distance. Hundreds, yes, thousands of
miles may be journeyed over, and this same effect witnessed every
few hours.
As you proceed toward the west from the Missouri, the size of
the trees diminishes as well as the number of kinds. As you
penetrate the borders of the Indian country, leaving civilization
behind you, the sight of forests is no longer enjoyed, the only trees to
be seen being scattered along the banks of the streams, these
becoming smaller and more rare, finally disappearing altogether and
giving place to a few scattering willows and osiers. The greater
portion of the Plains may be said to be without timber of any kind. As
to the cause of this absence scientific men disagree, some claiming
that the high winds which prevail in unobstructed force prevent the
growth and existence of not only trees but even the taller grasses.
This theory is well supported by facts, as, unlike the Western
prairies, where the grass often attains a height sufficient to conceal a
man on horseback, the Plains are covered by a grass which rarely,
and only under favorable circumstances, exceeds three inches in
height. Another theory, also somewhat plausible, is that the entire
Plains were at one time covered with timber more or less dense, but
this timber, owing to various causes, was destroyed, and has since
been prevented from growing or spreading over the Plains by the
annual fires which the Indians regularly create, and which sweep
over the entire country. These fires are built by the Indians in the fall
to burn the dried grass and hasten the growth of the pasturage in the
early spring. Favoring the theory that the Plains were at one time
covered with forests, is the fact that entire trunks of large trees have
been found in a state of petrifaction on elevated portions of the
country, and far removed from streams of water.
While dwarfed specimens of almost all varieties of trees are
found fringing the banks of some of the streams, the prevailing
species are cottonwood and poplar trees (Populus monilifera and
Populus angulosa). Intermingled with these are found clumps of
osiers (Salix longifolia). In almost any other portion of the country the
cottonwood would be the least desirable of trees; but to the Indian,
and, in many instances which have fallen under my observation, to
our troops, the cottonwood has performed a service for which no
other tree has been found its equal, and that is as forage for horses
and mules during the winter season, when the snow prevents even
dried grass from being obtainable. During the winter campaign of
1868–’69 against the hostile tribes south of the Arkansas, it not
unfrequently happened that my command while in pursuit of Indians
exhausted its supply of forage, and the horses and mules were
subsisted upon the young bark of the cottonwood tree. In routing the
Indians from their winter villages, we invariably discovered them
located upon that point of the stream promising the greatest supply
of cottonwood bark, while the stream in the vicinity of the village was
completely shorn of its supply of timber, and the village itself was
strewn with the white branches of the cottonwood entirely stripped of
their bark. It was somewhat amusing to observe an Indian pony
feeding on cottonwood bark. The limb being usually cut into pieces
about four feet in length and thrown upon the ground, the pony,
accustomed to this kind of “long forage,” would place one fore foot
on the limb in the same manner as a dog secures a bone, and gnaw
the bark from it. Although not affording anything like the amount of
nutriment which either hay or grain does, yet our horses invariably
preferred the bark to either, probably on account of its freshness.
The herbage to be found on the principal portion of the Plains is
usually sparse and stunted in its growth. Along the banks of the
streams and in the bottom lands there grows generally in rich
abundance a species of grass often found in the States east of the
Mississippi; but on the uplands is produced what is there known as
the “buffalo grass,” indigenous and peculiar in its character, differing
in form and substance from all other grasses. The blade under
favorable circumstances reaches a growth usually of from three to
five inches, but instead of being straight, or approximately so, it
assumes a curled or waving shape, the grass itself becoming
densely matted, and giving to the foot, when walking upon it, a
sensation similar to that produced by stepping upon moss or the
most costly of velvet carpets.
Nearly all graminivorous animals inhabiting the Plains, except
the elk and some species of the deer, prefer the buffalo grass to that
of the lowland; and it is probable that even these exceptions would
not prove good if it were not for the timber on the bottom land, which
affords good cover to both the elk and the deer. Both are often found
in large herds grazing upon the uplands, although the grass is far
more luxuriant and plentiful on the lowlands. Our domestic animals
invariably choose the buffalo grass, and experience demonstrates
beyond question that it is the most nutritious of all varieties of wild
grass.
The favorite range of the buffalo is contained in a belt of country
running north and south, about two hundred miles wide, and
extending from the Platte river on the north to the valley of the Upper
Canadian on the south. In migrating, if not grazing or alarmed, the
buffalo invariably moves in single file, the column generally being
headed by a patriarch of the herd, who is not only familiar with the
topography of the country, but whose prowess “in the field” entitles
him to become the leader of his herd. He maintains this leadership
only so long as his strength and courage enable him to remain the
successful champion in the innumerable contests which he is called
upon to maintain. The buffalo trails are always objects of interest and
inquiry to the sight-seer on the Plains. These trails made by the
herds in their migrating movements are so regular in their
construction and course as to well excite curiosity. They vary but little
from eight to ten inches in width, and are usually from two to four
inches in depth; their course is almost as unvarying as that of the
needle, running north and south. Of the thousands of buffalo trails
which I have seen, I recollect none of which the general direction
was not north and south. This may seem somewhat surprising at first
thought, but it admits of a simple and satisfactory explanation.
The general direction of all streams, large and small, on the
Plains, is from the west to the east, seeking as they do an entrance
to the Mississippi. The habits of the buffalo incline him to graze and
migrate from one stream to another, moving northward and crossing
each in succession as he follows the young grass in the spring, and
moving southward seeking the milder climate and open grazing in
the fall and winter. Throughout the buffalo country are to be seen
what are termed “buffalo wallows.” The number of those is so great
as to excite surprise; a moderate estimate would give from one to
three to each acre of ground throughout this vast tract of country.
These wallows are about eight feet in diameter and from six to
eighteen inches in depth, and are made by the buffalo bulls in the
spring when challenging a rival to combat for the favor of the
opposite sex. The ground is broken by pawing—if an animal with a
hoof can be said to paw—and if the challenge is accepted, as it
usually is, the combat takes place; after which the one who comes
off victorious remains in possession of the battle-field, and,
occupying the “wallow” of fresh upturned earth, finds it produces a
cooling sensation to his hot and gory sides. Sometimes the victory
which gives possession of the battle-field and drives a hated
antagonist away is purchased at a dear price. The carcass of the
victor is often found in the wallow, where his brief triumph has soon
terminated from the effects of his wounds. In the early spring, during
the shedding season, the buffalo resorts to his “wallow” to aid in
removing the old coat. These “wallows” have proven of no little
benefit to man, as well as to animals other than the buffalo. After a
heavy rain they become filled with water, the soil being of such a
compact character as to retain it. It has not unfrequently been the
case when making long marches that the streams would be found
dry, while water in abundance could be obtained from the “wallows.”
True, it was not of the best quality, particularly if it had been standing
long and the buffalo had patronized the wallows as “summer
resorts”; but on the Plains a thirsty man or beast, far from any
streams of water, does not parley long with these considerations.
Wherever water is found on the Plains, particularly if it is
standing, innumerable gadflies and mosquitoes generally abound. To
such an extent do these pests to the animal kingdom exist, that to
our thinly-coated animals, such as the horse and mule, grazing is
almost an impossibility, while the buffalo with his huge shaggy coat
can browse undisturbed. The most sanguinary and determined of
these troublesome insects are the “buffalo flies”; they move in
myriads, and so violent and painful are their assaults upon horses
that a herd of the latter has been known to stampede as the result of
an attack from a swarm of these flies.
But here again is furnished what some reasoners would affirm is
evidence of the “eternal fitness of things.” In most localities where
these flies are found in troublesome numbers, there are also found
flocks of starlings, a species of blackbird; these, more, I presume, to
obtain a livelihood than to become the defender of the helpless,
perch themselves upon the backs of the animals when woe betide
the hapless gadfly who ventures near, only to become a choice
morsel for the starling. In this way I have seen our herds of cavalry
horses grazing undisturbed, each horse of the many hundreds
having perched upon his back from one to dozens of starlings,
standing guard over him while he grazed.
One of the first subjects which addresses itself to the mind of the
stranger on the Plains, particularly if he be of a philosophical or
scientific turn of mind, is the mirage, which is here observed in all its
perfection. Many a weary mile of the traveller has been whiled away
in endeavors to account for the fitful and beautifully changing visions
presented by the mirage. Sometimes the distortions are wonderful,
and so natural as to deceive the most experienced eye. Upon one
occasion I met a young officer who had spent several years on the
Plains and in the Indian country. He was, on the occasion alluded to,
in command of a detachment of cavalry in pursuit of a party of
Indians who had been committing depredations on our frontier. While
riding at the head of his command he suddenly discovered, as he
thought, a party of Indians not more than a mile distant. The latter
seemed to be galloping toward him. The attention of his men was
called to them, and they pronounced them Indians on horseback.
The “trot” was sounded, and the column moved forward to the
attack. The distance between the attacking party and the supposed
foe was rapidly diminishing, the Indians appearing plainer to view
each moment. The charge was about to be sounded, when it was
discovered that the supposed party of Indians consisted of the
decayed carcasses of half a dozen slain buffaloes, which number
had been magnified by the mirage, while the peculiar motion
imparted by the latter had given the appearance of Indians on
horseback.
I have seen a train of government wagons with white canvas
covers moving through a mirage which, by elevating the wagons to
treble their height and magnifying the size of the covers, presented
the appearance of a line of large sailing vessels under full sail, while
the usual appearance of the mirage gave a correct likeness of an
immense lake or sea. Sometimes the mirage has been the cause of
frightful suffering and death by its deceptive appearance.
Trains of emigrants making their way to California and Oregon
have, while seeking water to quench their thirst and that of their
animals, been induced to depart from their course in the endeavor to
reach the inviting lake of water which the mirage displayed before
their longing eyes. It is usually represented at a distance of from five
to ten miles. Sometimes, if the nature of the ground is favorable, it is
dispelled by advancing toward it; at others it is like an ignis fatuus,
hovering in sight, but keeping beyond reach. Here and there
throughout this region are pointed out the graves of those who are
said to have been led astray by the mirage until their bodies were
famished and they succumbed to thirst.
The routes usually chosen for travel across the Plains may be
said to furnish, upon an average, water every fifteen miles. In some
instances, however, and during the hot season of the year, it is
necessary in places to go into what is termed “a dry camp,” that is, to
encamp where there is no water. In such emergencies, with a
previous knowledge of the route, it is practicable to transport from
the last camp a sufficient quantity to satisfy the demands of the
people composing the train, but the dumb brutes must trust to the
little moisture obtained from the night grazing to quench their thirst.
The animals inhabiting the Plains resemble in some respects the
fashionable society of some of our larger cities. During the extreme
heat of the summer they forsake their accustomed haunts and seek
a more delightful retreat. For, although the Plains are drained by
streams of all sizes, from the navigable river to the humblest of
brooks, yet at certain seasons the supply of water in many of them is
of the most uncertain character. The pasturage, from the excessive
heat, the lack of sufficient moisture, and the withering hot winds
which sweep across from the south, becomes dried, withered, and
burnt, and is rendered incapable of sustaining life. Then it is that the
animals usually found on the Plains disappear for a short time, and
await the return of a milder season.
Having briefly grouped the prominent features of the central
Plains, and as some of the incidents connected with my service
among the Indian tribes occurred far to the south of the localities
already referred to, a hurried reference to the country north of Texas,
and in which the Wichita mountains are located, a favorite resort of
some of the tribes, is here made. To describe as one would view it in
journeying upon horseback over this beautiful and romantic country,
to picture with the pen those boundless solitude—so silent that their
silence alone increases their grandeur—to gather inspiration from
nature and to attempt to paint the scene as my eye beheld it, is a
task before which a much readier pen than mine might well hesitate.
It was a beautiful and ever-changing panorama which at one
moment excited the beholder’s highest admiration, at the next
impressed him with speechless veneration. Approaching the Wichita
mountains from the north, and after the eye has perhaps been
wearied by the tameness and monotony of the unbroken Plains, one
is gladdened by the relief which the sight of these picturesque and
peculiarly beautiful mountains affords.
Here are to be seen all the varied colors which Bierstadt and
Church endeavor to represent in their mountain scenery. A journey
across and around them on foot and upon horseback will well repay
either the tourist or artist. The air is pure and fragrant, and as
exhilarating as the purest of wine; the climate entrancingly mild; the
sky clear, and blue as the most beautiful sapphire, with here and
there clouds of rarest loveliness, presenting to the eye the richest
commingling of bright and varied colors; delightful odors are
constantly being wafted by; while the forests, filled with the mocking
bird, the colibri, the humming bird, and the thrush, constantly put
forth a joyful chorus, and all combine to fill the soul with visions of
delight and enhance the perfection and glory of the creation. Strong
indeed must be that unbelief which can here contemplate nature in
all her purity and glory, and, unawed by the sublimity of this closely-
connected testimony, question either the Divine origin or purpose of
the beautiful firmament.
Unlike most mountains, the Wichita cannot properly be termed a
range or chain, but more correctly a collection or group, as many of
the highest and most beautiful are detached, and stand on a level
plain “solitary and alone.” They are mainly composed of granite, the
huge blocks of which exhibit numerous shades of beautiful colors,
crimson, purple, yellow, and green predominating. They are conical
in shape, and seem to have but little resemblance to the soil upon
which they are founded. They rise abruptly from a level surface—so
level and unobstructed that it would be an easy matter to drive a
carriage to any point of the circumference at the base; and yet so
steep and broken are the sides that it is only here and there that it is
possible to ascend them. From the foot of almost every mountain
pours a stream of limpid water, of almost icy coldness.
If the character given to the Indian by Cooper and other
novelists, as well as by well-meaning but mistaken philanthropists of
a later day, were the true one; if the Indian were the innocent,
simple-minded being he is represented, more the creature of
romance than reality, imbued only with a deep veneration for the
works of nature, freed from the passions and vices which must
accompany a savage nature; if, in other words, he possessed all the

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