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In statistics, there are many discrete probability distributions. The binomial distribution is a discrete probability distribution that describes the probability of success in a binomial experiment. Although the binomial distribution is more complicated than the basic probability model, some concepts like the complement rule still apply and are useful for solving problems involving binomial probability.

Key Terms
Binomial Probability: The probability of getting k successes out of n independent trials where there are only two possible outcomes. Binomial Coefficient: Any number that satisfies the expression k n. Binomial Distribution: The discrete probability distribution of the number of successes of independent trials where there are only two possible outcomes. where n and x are both whole numbers and

Binomial Experiment

An experiment consists of n independent, identical trials Only two possible outcomes for each trial (success or failure) Probability of success remains constant throughout the whole experiment (denoted by p) The probability of failure is denoted by q Each trial results in either success or failure, so p + q = 1

Binomial Probability
Binomial random variable X is the number of successes in n trials

To calculate the binomial probability of getting exactly k successes, , where n and k are both whole numbers and x

Explanation: this formula, when broken into pieces, gives us the probability of getting the certain number of successes, the certain number of failures, and in different orders.

Binomial Coefficient
is called the binomial coefficient A shortcut to determining the binomial coefficients is to construct the following triangle:

Binomial Coefficients
n 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 3 6 10 16 21 28 1 4 10 20 35 56 1 5 15 35 70 1 6 21 56 1 7 28 1 8 1
Image Credit: Drandstrom, Public Domain

Start with the top two rows. For the next row, start and end the row with the number 1. Then continue to place numbers in the space below two of the numbers in the previous row. The value of the number is found by adding the two numbers above it (on the left and the right side). This triangle is known as Pascals triangle.

Disclaimer:thisstudyguidewasnotcreatedtoreplace yourtextbookandisforclassroomorindividualuseonly.

Compound Probabilities Compound probabilities can be calculated using the binomial probability formula. Probability of getting AT MOST k successes: use the binomial distribution equation and add together all the different
success options

For example: P(x 3) = P(x = 1) + P(x = 2) + P(x = 3)

Probability of getting AT LEAST k successes: use the binomial distribution equation and add together all the different success options

Sometimes you can save time by calculating the complement of the probability and subtracting it from 1 For example: P(x 1) = 1 - P(x < 1) = 1 - P(x = 0)
This guide was created by Lizhi Fan and Jin Yu. To learn more about the student authors, visit http://www.ck12.org/about/about-us/team/interns.

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Binomial Probability Distribution

The binomial distribution is found by calculating the binomial probabilities for k = 0, 1, 2,..., n.

A discrete probability distribution because k can only be whole numbers Can be represented in a histogram with k along the x-axis and P(k) along the y-axis = np

Mean for the binomial distribution:

Standard deviation for the binomial distribution: Strategy: 1. Define what a success is 2. Determine p and n 3. Use the binomial formula to find the mean and standard deviation.

Probability

Graphing Calculator
In a graphing calculator, we can use a built-in command to find the binomial distribution. The command is: binompdf(n,p,k). n is the number of trials, p is the probability of success, and k is the number of successes we want to have. This will give us the probability of k successes occurring. There is a similar command called binomcdf, which requires us to plug in two values for the number of successes we want to have: one low and one high. It will give us the probability that the number of successes fall between the two values. If you cant find the commands, check the manual for your graphing calculator. For the TI-83/TI-84, the commands are found by pressing [2ND][DISTR].

Notes

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