9/28/2009

Discrete and Continuous Probability Distributions

Binomial Experiments (A generalization of the FIAU problem)

• Each random trial can result in one of only two possible outcomes.  This is called a Bernoulli trial.
• We collect data from Bernoulli trials satisfying the following:
  • there are n trials;
  • the n trials are independent; and
  • the probability of “success” remains constant from trial to trial.
• Binomial Distribution - If X is the number of successes in n independent Bernoulli trials, then P(X=k)=n!/[k!*(n-k)!]*p^k*(1-p)^n-k, for k=0, 1, ..., n.
• Using Minitab for Binomial Probability Calculations 
  • (Calc > Probability Distributions > Binomial)

Please bring your review questions to class on Wednesday.