Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D1

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION- NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PASAY CITY

MODULE IN STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Second Semester / First Quarter / Week 2 / Day 1

Objective: Computes probabilities corresponding to a given random variable.

YOUR LESSON FOR TODAY:

• Computing probabilities corresponding to a given random variable.

RECALL: Illustrating Probability Distribution

Illustrates a probability distribution for each of the following data.
1. Tossing two coins. Let V represent the number of heads.
The solution is
Number of Heads(V) 0 1 2
Probability (V) 1/4 2/4 or 1/2 1/4

Solution:
The possible values that V can take are 0, 1, and 2. Each of these numbers corresponds to
an event in the sample space S = {HH,HT,TH,TT} of equally likely outcomes for this
experiment ; Y = 0 to {TT}, Y = 1 to {HT,TH} , and Y = 2 to {HH}.

2. Determine whether the distribution illustrates a probability distribution.

Explain your answer.
The solution is
X 1 5 7 8 9
P(X) 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 13/3

Solution:
A probability distribution should be not more than 1. We can see that we have 13/3 as
the P(X) of 9. Therefore, this is not a probability distribution.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

1. The possible values that Y can take are 0, 1, and 2. Each of these numbers corresponds to
an event in the sample space S = {HH,HT,TH,TT} of equally likely outcomes for this experiment ; Y =
0 to {TT}, Y = 1 to {HT,TH} , and Y = 2 to {HH}. The probability of each of these events, hence of the
corresponding value of Y, can be found simply by counting to give

Page 1 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D1

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Probability Distribution for A Random Variable Y

Number of Heads(Y) 0 1 2
Probability (Y) 1/4 2/4 or 1/2 ¼

a. Find the probability that at least one head is observed.

Solution: “at least one head” is the event P (Y ≥1), which is Y = 2/4 or 1/2, and Y = 1/4.
Thus P (Y≥ 1) = P (1) + P (2)
= 2/4 + 1/4
P (Y ≥ 1) = 3/4
2. The following data show the probabilities for the numbers of vans sold in a given day at a van
dealer store. Let X be the number of vans.
Number of Van X Probability P(X)
0 0.100
1 0.150
2 0.250
3 0.140
4 0.090
5 0.080
6 0.060
7 0.050
8 0.040
9 0.025
10 0.015

a. Find P (X ≤ 3)
Solution: “at most 2 vans” is the event X≤ 2, which is X = 0, X= 1 and X = 2. Thus
P (X≤ 3) = P (0) + P (1) + P (2) + P (3)
= 0.100 + 0.150 + 0.250 + 0.140
P (X≤ 3) = 0.64

b. Find P (X ≥ 7)
Solution: “at least 7 vans “is the event X ≥ 7, which is X = 7 X = 8, X = 9, X= 10. Thus
P (X ≥ 7) = P (7) +P (8) + P (9) + P (10)
= 0.050 +0.040 + 0.025 + 0.015
P (X ≥ 7) = 0.13

Page 2 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D1

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

c. Find P (1 ≤ X ≤ 4)
Solution: “number of vans is at most 4 but at least 1” is the event 1 ≤ X ≤ 4 which is
X = 1, X = 2, X = 3, and X = 4.
P (1 ≤ X ≤ 4) = P (1) + P (2) + P (3) + P (4)
= 0.150 + 0.250 + 0.140 + 0.090
P (1 ≤ X ≤ 4) = 0.63

Now let us try to solve these problems.

PRACTICES EXERCISES 1
The following data show the probabilities for the sum of the number of dots on the top faces
when a pair of fair dice is rolled. Let X be the sum of the number of dots on the top faces.

Sum of
the
number of 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
dots (X)

Probability
P(X) 1/36 2/36 3/36 4/36 5/36 6/36 5/36 4/36 3/36 2/36 1/36

Compute each of the following quantities.

a. P(X≥9)
Solution:

b. The probability that X takes an even value

Solution:

PRACTICE EXERCISES 2
A discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution.

X 87 88 89 90 91
P(X) 0.15 0.15 A 0.40 0.10

Compute each of the following quantities.

a. P(A)
Solution:

Page 3 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D1

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

b. P (90)
Solution:

c. P (X >90)
Solution:

d. P (X ≤ 90)
Solution:

Learning Summary:
The probabilities in a probability distribution of a random variable X must satisfy the
following conditions:
1. The probability of each value of a random variable must be between or equal to 0
and 1, in symbol we write as 0 ≤ P(X) ≤1.
2. The sum of the probabilities of all values of the random variable must be equal to 1.

EVALUATION:

Test Yourself!

1. A discrete random variable Y has the following probability distribution

X 2 3 4 5

P(X) 0.42 0.36 0.12 0.10

a. Find P (4)
Solution:

Page 4 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D1

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

b. Find P (X > 3)
Solution:

2. The daily demand for copies of a book at a bookstore has the probability distribution as follows.
Number of Copies X Probability P(X)

0 0.06

1 0.14

2 0.16

3 0.14

4 0.12

5 0.10

6 0.08

7 0.07

8 0.06

9 0.04

10 0.03

a. What is the probability that four or more copies will be demanded in a particular day?
Solution:

b. What is the probability that the demand will be at least three but not more than six?

Solution:

Prepared by: VALERIE M. DE GUIA

Pasay City East High School

References:
Belecina, R. R. (2016). Statistics and Probability. Rex Bookstore Inc. Manila, Philippines
Banignon, Jr. R. B. (2018). Statistics and Probability. Educational Resources Corporation. Quezon City, Philippines

Page 5 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D2

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION- NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PASAY CITY

MODULE IN STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Second Semester / First Quarter / Week 2 / Day 2

Objective: Illustrates the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.

YOUR LESSON FOR TODAY:

• Illustrating the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.

RECALL:
1. A discrete random variable Y has the following probability distribution.
X 2 3 4 5

P(X) 0.42 0.36 0.12 0.10

a. Find P (4)
Solution:

b. Find P (X > 3)
Solution:

2. Find the mean score of the following:

Number of students Score Mean Score
12 66 5.50
8 58
7 50
4 48
9 45
N = 40

How did you come up with the answers in the activity?

That is correct! To find the mean score, we simply get the average score divided by the number
of students.

Page 6 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D2

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

1. Consider rolling a die.

Sample Space S = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 }
What is the average number of dots that will appear?

Steps Solution
Number of Spots X Probability P(X)
1. Construct the probability distribution for 1 1/6
the random variable X representing the 2 1/6
number of dots that would appear 3 1/6
4 1/6
5 1/6
6 1/6
Number of Probability P(X) X*P(X)
2. Multiply the value of the random variable Spots X
X by the corresponding probability 1 1/6 1/6
2 1/6 2/6
3 1/6 3/6
4 1/6 4/6
5 1/6 5/6
6 1/6 6/6
Number of Probability P(X) X*P(X)
3. Add the results obtained in Step 2 Spots X
1 1/6 1/6
2 1/6 2/6
3 1/6 3/6
4 1/6 4/6
5 1/6 5/6
6 1/6 6/6

21
µ = ∑𝑥 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) = = 3 .5
6

The value obtained in Step 3 which is 3.5 is called the mean of the random variable X or the
mean of the probability distribution of X.

Page 7 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D2

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

2. Find the variance using the data in Example 1

STEPS SOLUTION
1. Find the mean of the probability Number of Probability P(X) X*P(X)
distribution using the formula Spots X
µ = ∑𝑥 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) 1 1/6 1/6
2 1/6 2/6
3 1/6 3/6
4 1/6 4/6
5 1/6 5/6
6 1/6 6/6

21
µ = ∑𝑥 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) = = 3 .5
6
2. Multiply the square of the value of the Number of Probability X*P(X) X2*P(X)
random variable X by its corresponding Spots X P(X)
probability. 1 1/6 1/6 1/6
2 1/6 2/6 4/6
3 1/6 3/6 9/6
4 1/6 4/6 16/6
5 1/6 5/6 25/6
6 1/6 6/6 36/6
3. Get the sum of the results obtained in Number of Probability X*P(X) X2*P(X)
Step 2 Spots X P(X)
1 1/6 1/6 1/6
2 1/6 2/6 4/6
3 1/6 3/6 9/6
4 1/6 4/6 16/6
5 1/6 5/6 25/6
6 1/6 6/6 36/6

91
∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) = = 15.7
6
4. Subtract the square of the mean from
the results obtained in Step 3 to get the The variance is
variance. So, the formula for the 𝜎 2 = ∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) − 𝜇2
variance of a probability distribution is = 15.17 - (3.5)2
𝜎 2 = ∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) − 𝜇2 = 15.17 – 12.25
The standard deviation is the square root 𝜎 2 = 2.92
of the variance.

𝜎 = √∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) − 𝜇2

Page 8 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D2

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

The standard deviation is

= √2.92
= 1.71

The variance is 15.17 and the standard

deviation is 1.71

Now let us try to solve these problems.

PRACTICE EXERCISE 1
Write down the the steps in illlustrating and finding the mean of a discrete random variable.
1.
2.
PRACTICE EXERCISE 2
MEDICINES
The probabilities that a customer will buy 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 medicines in a drugstore are
3 1 1 2 3
, , , , respectively. Find the mean and variance of the number of medicines that a customer
10 10 10 10 10

will buy by following the steps given below. Complete the tables shown for each steps.

STEPS SOLUTION
1. Find the mean of the probability Number of Probability P(X) X*P(X)
distribution using the formula Spots X
µ = ∑𝑥 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) 1 3/10 1/6
2 1/10 2/6
3 1/10 3/6
4 2/10 4/6
5 3/10 5/6
µ = ∑𝑥 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) =
2. Multiply the square of the value of the Number of Probability X*P(X) X2*P(X)
random variable X by its corresponding Spots X P(X)
probability. 1 3/10
2 1/10
3 1/10
4 2/10
5 3/10
3. Get the sum of the results obtained in Number of Probability X*P(X) X2*P(X)
Step 2 Spots X P(X)
1 3/10
2 1/10
3 1/10
4 2/10

Page 9 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D2

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

5 3/10
∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) =
4. Subtract the square of the mean from
the results obtained in Step 3 to get the The variance is
variance. So, the formula for the 𝜎 2 = ∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) − 𝜇2
variance of a probability distribution is =
𝜎 2 = ∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) − 𝜇2
The standard deviation is the square root
of the variance.

𝜎 = √∑𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥) − 𝜇2 The standard deviation is

=√
=

Learning Summary:
A. Steps in illlustrating and finding the mean of a discrete random variable.
1. Construct the probability distribution for the random variable x representing the event.
2. Multiply the value of the random variable x by the corresponding probability
B. Write down the the steps in illlustrating and finding the variance of a discrete random variable.
1. Find the mean of the probability distribution.
2. Multiply the square of the value of the random variable x by its corresponding probability
3. Get the sum of the results obtained in Step 2.
4. Subtract the square of the mean from the results obtained in Step 3 to get the variance.

EVALUATION: Test Yourself!

When three coins are tossed, the probability distribution for the random variable x
representing the number of heads that occur is given below. Illustrate and compute the
mean, variance, and standard deviation of the probability distribution by following the steps.
Number of Heads (Probability) – 0 (1/8), 1 (3/8), 2 (3/8), 3 (1/8)

Note: The probability is those numbers inside the parentheses. Make your own table.

Prepared by: VALERIE M. DE GUIA

Pasay City East High School

References:
Belecina, R. R. (2016). Statistics and Probability. Rex Bookstore Inc. Manila, Philippines
Banignon, Jr. R. B. (2018). Statistics and Probability. Educational Resources Corporation. Quezon City, Philippines

Page 10 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D3

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION- NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PASAY CITY

MODULE IN STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Second Semester / First Quarter / Week 2 / Day 3

Objective: Calculates the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.

YOUR LESSON FOR TODAY:

• Calculating the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.

RECALL: Getting the mean and variance

Compute the mean and the variance of this frequency distribution.
Number of Students Score Mean Variance
3 5 1.67 3.70
5 8
4 10
5 12
3 15
n=20

INTRODUCTION:
In an examination, you sometimes think of where would be your score lie. Would it be below
or above the average score? Afterward, you would like also to know how far you are from the average
score. Finally, you would ask yourself what is the meaning of those locations from the center or mean
of the probability distribution? If you are asking these questions, this learning module is designed for
you.
This module, we will calculate and solve the average of a discrete random variable. The term
average is the mean or the expected value or the expectation in probability and statistics. Once we
have calculated the probability distribution for a random variable, we can calculate its expected value.
The mean of a random variable shows the location or the central tendency of the random variable.
This module, you will help you understand the process on how to accurately determine the
mean value and variance including the standard deviation of a discrete random variable. You may
find this module as a piece of good fortune in acquiring brand new learning.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

Given the probability distribution, find the (a) mean, (b) variance, (c) standard deviation

1. The random variable Y is the level of secondary – school student selected at random. Its
probability distribution is

Page 11 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D3

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Level (X) P (X)

1 (Freshman) 0.264
2 (Sophomore) 0.259
3 (Junior) 0.244
4 (Senior) 0.233

Calculate the mean using the formula:

Solution:
µ = ∑ X * P(X).
= 1 (0.264) + 2 (0.259) + 3 (0.244) + 4 (0.233)
= 0.264 + 0.518 + 0.732 + 0.932
µ = 2.45
Calculate the variance using the formula
σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2
= [12 (0.264) + 22 (0.259) + 32 (0.244) + 42 (0.233)] - (2.45)2
𝛔𝟐 = 1.22
2. The random variable X is the sum of the dice when two dice are rolled.

Sum of Dice (X) Probability P(X)

2 1/36
3 1/18
4 1/12
5 1/9
6 5/36
7 1/6
8 5/36
9 1/9
10 1/12
11 1/18
12 1/36

Calculate the mean using the formula.

Solution:
µ = ∑ X * P(X).
= 2 ( 1/36 ) + 3 (1/18) + 4 ( 1/12 )+ 5 ( 1/9 ) + 6 ( 5/36 ) + 7 (1/6 ) + 8 ( 5/36 ) + 9 ( 1/9 )
+ 10 ( 1/12 ) + 11 ( 1/18 ) + 12(1/36 )
µ=7

Page 12 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D3

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Calculate the variance using the formula

σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2
= [22 ( 1/36 ) + 32 ( 1/18 ) + 42 ( 1/12 ) + 52 (1/9 ) + 62 ( 5/36 ) + 72 ( 1/6 )
+ 82 ( 5/36 ) + 92(1/9 ) + 102 ( 1/12 ) + 112 ( 1/18 ) + 122 ( 1/36 )] - (7)2
𝛔𝟐 = 5.83
The standard deviation is
σ = √𝝈𝟐 = 2.41

Now let us try to solve these problems.

PRACTICES EXERCISE 1
Calculates the mean and variance of the given probability distribution.

(X) 1 6 11 16 21

P(X) 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7

Compute each of the following quantities.

a. µ = ∑ X * P(X).

b. σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2

c. σ = √𝝈𝟐

Page 13 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D3

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

PRACTICE EXERCISE 2
The number of shoes sold per day at a retail store is shown in the table below.

X 19 20 21 22 23
P(X) 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.10

Compute each of the following quantities.

a. µ = ∑ X * P(X).

b. σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2

c. σ = √𝝈𝟐

Learning Summary:
The mean of a discrete random variable X is also called the expected value is given by the formula µ

= ∑ X * P(X).

To calculate the mean, multiply each value by its probability and then sum them up. The variance,

σ2 , of a discrete random variable X is given 𝛔𝟐 = ∑(𝐗 − µ )𝟐 ∗ 𝐏(𝐗)

For simplified computation, the formula for variance 𝛔𝟐 = ∑𝐗𝟐 ∗ 𝐏(𝐗) - µ𝟐

To calculate the variance, square each value and multiply by its probability, sum them up and we get

∑ X2 P ,then subtract the square of the mean value µ2 The standard deviation is the square root of

the variance σ = √𝝈𝟐

Page 14 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D3

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

EVALUATION:

Test Yourself!
Given the probability distribution, calculate the (a) mean (b) variance and (c) standard deviation of
each of the following.

1. Calculates the mean and variance of the given probability distribution

X 19 20 21 22 23

P(X) 0.10 0.20 0.40 0.20 0.10

a. µ = ∑ X * P(X).

b. σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2

c. σ = √𝝈𝟐

Prepared by: VALERIE M. DE GUIA

Pasay City East High School

References:
Belecina, R. R. (2016). Statistics and Probability. Rex Bookstore Inc. Manila, Philippines
Banignon, Jr. R. B. (2018). Statistics and Probability. Educational Resources Corporation. Quezon City, Philippines

Page 15 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D4

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION- NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PASAY CITY

MODULE IN STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Second Semester / First Quarter / Week 2 / Day 4

Objective: Interprets the mean and the variance of a discrete random variable.

YOUR LESSON FOR TODAY:

• Interpreting the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.
RECALL: Calculating the mean and variance
Calculate the mean and variance of the given probability distribution.

(X) 1 6 11 16 21

P(X) 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7

Compute each of the following quantities.
a. µ = ∑ X * P(X).

b. σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2

c. σ = √𝝈𝟐

INTRODUCTION:
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you understand
why we need to find the mean and variance of a discrete random variable and how to interpret it.
The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to
follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed
to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
This module has only one lesson which focuses on interpreting the mean and variance of a
discrete random variable. Your knowledge and skill on how to use the formula for the mean,
variance, and standard deviation that you learned from previous modules are pre-requisite skills.
Accurate computations will yield accurate interpretations. In case that there will be mistakes in the
calculations of mean, variance, and standard deviation, interpretation of the data will be affected.
And if we interpret the result based on the miscalculations, our tendency to make a not so wise
Page 16 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D4

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

decision is higher. So, to be successful in this module, always review your computations before you
make interpretations. Expect also that some of the practice exercises and problems included here
need your patience and determination because it requires long computations. It will teach you the
virtues of being patient and striving for excellence. Bear in mind that you need to review first your
solutions to arrive with accurate interpretations.

What’s In
What’s the formula?
The following formulas were introduced to you in the previous lessons, write the correct formula in
each box to complete this task.
Formula 1: 𝜇𝑥 = ∑[𝑥𝑖 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥)]
Formula 2: 𝜎2 = ∑[𝑥2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥)] − 𝑢2
Formula 3: 𝜎2 = ∑(𝑥 − 𝑢)2𝑃(𝑥)

Formula 4: 𝜎 = √[𝑥 2 ∙ P(x)] − 𝑢2

Situation 1: I am thinking of finding the average number of heads that would appear if I will toss
two coins together twice. Which formula should I use?

Situation 2: I went to the grocery store and I noticed that there are five different kinds of brown
sugar at different prices, each brand has different probabilities that they will be sold. What formula
should I use if I want to determine how the prices vary from the average price of the product that
would be sold to the customers repeatedly?

Solution:
Situation 1: The correct formula is 𝜇𝑥 = ∑[𝑥𝑖 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥)], because it is the formula to be used if you want
to find the mean of a discrete random variable.
Situation 2: The correct formula is 𝜎 =√[𝑥 2 ∙ P(x)] − 𝑢2 , because it is the formula to be used if you
want to find the standard deviation of a discrete random variable. Even though formulas 2 and 3
(formulas to find the variance) measures also the variability of the values assumed by the random
variable X (prices of brown sugar) in repeated trials (sold to the customers repeatedly). The units of
standard deviation match those with X because standard deviation is a square root of the variance.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
Interprets the mean and the variance of the discrete random variable
Number of Spots
1. Consider rolling a die. The expected value/mean and variance of the number of spots that
would appear is shown below

Page 17 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D4

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Number of
Spots (X) 1 2 3 4 5 6
P(X) 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6

Solution:
µ = ∑ X * P(X).
= 1 (1/6) + 2 (1/6) + 3 (1/6) + 4 (1/6) + 5 (1/6) + 6 ( 1/6)
Mean µ = 21/6 or 3.5 The mean of a random variable X
The mean tells us the average number of spots that would appear in a roll of a die. So, the average
number of spots that would appear is 3.5.
This implies that rolling a die many times, the theoretical mean would be 3.5

Calculate the variance using the formula

σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2
𝛔𝟐 = 2.91 The variance of a random variable X The variance indicates
that the data points tend to be very close to the mean, and to each other.
Surgery Patients
2. The probabilities that a surgeon operates on 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 patients in any day are 0.15, 0.10,
0.20, 0.25, and 0.30, respectively. The expected value/mean and variance of the number of patients
that a surgeon operates on a day is given below.
Number of
Patients (X) 3 4 5 6 7
P(X) 0.15 0.10 0.20 0.25 0.30

µ = ∑ X * P(X).
= 3(0. 15) + 4 (0.10) + 5 (0.20) + 6 (0.25) + 7 (0.30)
Mean µ = 1.1 The mean of a random variable X
The mean tells us the average number of patients that a surgeon operates in any day. So, the
average number of patients that a surgeon operates is 1.1. This implies that a surgeon operates in
any day, the theoretical mean would be 1.1
Variance 𝟐 = ∑𝐗𝟐 ∗ 𝐏(𝐗) - µ𝟐
= 1.95 The variance of a random variable X

The variance indicates that the data points are very spread out from the mean, and from one
another.

Now let us try to solve these problems.

PRACTICES EXERCISE 1
Interpret the mean and the variance of the discrete random variable
Grocery Items

Page 18 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D4

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

1. The probabilities that a customer will buy 1,2,3,4, or 5 items in a grocery store are
3/10,1/10,1/10,2/10, and 3/10 respectively. The expected value/mean and the variance of the
number of items that a customer will buy is given below.

Number of 1 2 3 4 5
Items (X)

P(X) 3/10 1/10 1/10 2/10 3/10

a. µ = ∑ X * P(X).
= 1 (3/10) + 2 (1/10) + 3 (1/10) + 4 (2/10) + 5 (3/10)
Mean µ = 31/10 or 3.1 The mean of a random variable X

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________

b. σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2
= 2.69 The variance of a random variable X

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE EXERCISE 2
Tickets sales for a concert
2. Organizers of a concert are limiting tickets sales to a maximum of 4 tickets per customer. Let X be
the number of tickets purchased by a random customer Here is the probability distribution of X.

Number of 1 2 3 4
Tickets (X)
P(X) 0.10 0.30 0.20 0.40
a. µ = ∑ X * P(X).
= 1(0. 1) + 2 (0.3) + 3 (0.2) + 4 (0.4)
Mean µ = 2.9 The mean of a random variable X.

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________

b. σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2
= 1.09 The variance of a random variable X

Answer: _______________________________________________________________________

Page 19 of 20
 Module Code: PASAY-SP11-S2-Q1-W2-D4

Name: __________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________

Teacher: _________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Learning Summary:

The mean of a random variable may be interpreted as the average of the values assumed by the
random variable in repeated trials of the experiment. The mean of a random variable X is a measure
of the central location of the distribution of X. If values of X near its mean μX are very likely and
values further away from μX have very small probability, then the distribution of X will be closely
concentrated.
The variance and standard deviation of a discrete random variable X may be interpreted as measures
of the variability of the values assumed by the random variable in repeated trials of the experiment.
The variance in probability theory and statistics is a way to measure how far a set of numbers is
spread out. Variance describes how much a random variable differs from its expected value.
Variance is the average of the squared distances from each point to the mean.
A small variance indicates that the data points tends to be very close the mean, and to each other.
A high variance indicates that the data points are very spread out from the mean, and from one
another.

EVALUATION:
Test Yourself!

Interpret the mean and the variance of the discrete random variable

1. A men’s soccer team plays soccer zero, one, or two days a week. The probability that they
play zero is 0.2, the probability that they play one day is 0.5, and the probability that they
play two is 0.3. The expected value / mean and variance of the number of days per week the
men’s soccer team plays soccer is shown below. Let the random variable X be the number of
days the men’s soccer team plays soccer per week. Here is the probability distribution.

Number of 0 1 2
Days (X)
P(X) 0.20 0.50 0.30

a. µ = ∑ X * P(X).
= 0(0. 15) + 4 (0.10) + 5 (0.20) + 6 (0.25) + 7 (0.30)
Mean µ = 1.1 The mean of a random variable X
Answer: __________________________________________________________

b. Variance σ2 = ∑ X2 ∗ P(X) - µ2
= 0.49 The variance of a random variable X
Answer: _________________________________________________________

Prepared by: VALERIE M. DE GUIA

Pasay City East High School

References:
Belecina, R. R. (2016). Statistics and Probability. Rex Bookstore Inc. Manila, Philippines
Banignon, Jr. R. B. (2018). Statistics and Probability. Educational Resources Corporation. Quezon City, Philippines
Page 20 of 20