Discrete Random Variable
Definition
A discrete random variable is a variable that can only take on specific, isolated values. It is characterized by a countable set of possible outcomes.
Analogy
Think of a vending machine that dispenses different types of snacks. Each snack represents a specific value that the random variable can take on. Just like you can only choose one snack at a time from the vending machine, a discrete random variable can only have one specific value at any given time.
Related terms
Probability Distribution: A probability distribution describes the likelihood of each possible outcome for a random variable.
Binomial Distribution: A binomial distribution is a type of probability distribution that models the number of successes in a fixed number of independent Bernoulli trials.
Expected Value: The expected value, also known as the mean or average, is the long-term average outcome when an experiment is repeated many times. It represents the center or balance point of the probability distribution.
"Discrete Random Variable" appears in:
Study guides (2)
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Practice Questions (13)
- Which of the following statements is true about a discrete random variable?
- When calculating the probability for a discrete random variable, what should you consider regarding the inclusion of boundary values?
- How can a mini probability distribution chart help clarify problems involving a discrete random variable?
- What formula can you use to calculate the probability of a discrete random variable taking on a particular value?
- How can the shape of a graph of a discrete random variable provide insights into its underlying probability distribution?
- If the graph of a discrete random variable is roughly symmetric, what does it suggest about the distribution?
- If the graph of a discrete random variable is double-peaked, what does it indicate?
- If the graph of a discrete random variable is single-peaked, what does it imply?
- If the graph of a discrete random variable is right-skewed, what does it indicate?
- If the graph of a discrete random variable is left-skewed, what does it indicate?
- When interpreting the shape of a discrete random variable's graph, what additional measures should be mentioned?
- Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the mean of a discrete random variable?
- Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the standard deviation of a discrete random variable?
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