Senior High School

Statistics and
Probability
Second Semester (Midterm) – Module 2.3
Calculating the Mean and Variance
of a Discrete Random Variable

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 Senior High School

Statistics and
Probability
Second Semester (Midterm) – Module 2.3
Calculating the Mean and Variance
of a Discrete Random Variable

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Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Statistics and Probability Self-Learning Module on Calculating
the Mean and Variance of a Discrete Random Variable!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators
both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their
personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims
to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration
their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body
of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will

help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You
also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage their
own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the Statistics and Probability Self-Learning Module on Calculating
the Mean and Variance of a Discrete Random Variable!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

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 Calculating the Mean and Variance
of a Discrete Random Variable
CONTENT STANDARD
The learner demonstrates an understanding of key concepts of random variables
and probability distributions.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The learner is able to apply an appropriate random variable for a given real-life
problem (such as in decision making and games of chance).

LEARNING COMPETENCY
Calculates the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.
(M11/12SP-lllb-2)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Recall the mean and variance of a discrete probability distribution.
2. Use the probability distribution to determine the mean and variance of a
discrete probability distribution.
3. Calculate the mean and variance of a discrete probability distribution.

INTRODUCTION

The mean, variance, and standard deviation of a sample described the nature of
the data distribution of the population from where the sample is taken. Likewise, the
mean, variance, and standard deviation of a discrete probability distribution described
the distribution in the long run. This module will teach you how to compute the mean,
variance, and standard deviation of a discrete probability distribution.

REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MODULE

Previously, you are introduced to the new method of determining the mean,
variance, and standard deviation of a discrete probability distribution. This method is
somewhat different from determining the mean, variance, and standard deviation of a
sample. In the boxes below are the formulas for determining the mean, variance, and
standard deviation of a discrete probability distribution. These formulas are important in
this module.

The formula for the Mean of a Discrete Probability Distribution

The mean of a discrete probability distribution is

𝜇 = 𝑋1 • 𝑃(𝑋1 ) + 𝑋2 • 𝑃(𝑋2 ) + 𝑋3 • 𝑃 (𝑋3 ) + ⋯ + 𝑋𝑛 • 𝑃(𝑋𝑛 )
= ∑ 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋)
where 𝑋1 , 𝑋2 , 𝑋3 , … , 𝑋𝑛 are the possible outcomes and 𝑃 (𝑋1 ), 𝑃(𝑋2 ), 𝑃 (𝑋3 ), … , 𝑃(𝑋𝑛 )
are the corresponding probabilities.

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 The formula for the Variance of a Discrete Probability Distribution

The variance of a discrete probability distribution is

𝜎 2 = ∑[𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)] − 𝜇 2

Since the standard deviation is just a square root of the variance, the standard
deviation of a discrete probability distribution is
𝜎 = √𝜎 2 = √∑[𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)] − 𝜇 2

PRESENTATION OF THE NEW MODULE

It is easy to calculate the mean, variance, and standard deviation of a discrete

probability distribution if the probability distribution table is presented. This was
observed in the example in the previous module on the experiment of tossing a coin. To
set you in understanding this module, do the activity below.

ACTIVITY
Instruction: Below is the incomplete extended probability distribution table of
rolling a die once with the number of points observed on the top as the random variable.
Complete the table below.

𝑋 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋𝟐 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)

1 1/6 1/6
4 2/3
3 9 3/2
2/3
5 25
6 1/6 6

Follow-up Questions:
1. What is the sum of the entries in the 3rd column?

2. What is the sum of the entries in the 5th column?

3. What is the difference between the answer in Q2 and the square of the
answer in Q1?

4. What is the square root of the answer in Q3?

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ANALYSIS
Instruction: From the activity performed above, answer the following questions:
1. What do you call the result in follow-up question #1?

2. What do you call the result in the follow-up question #3?

3. What do you call the result in follow-up question #4?

4. Was the table in the activity helpful in calculating the mean, variance, and
standard deviation of a discrete probability distribution? Why?

ABSTRACTION
The mean (𝜇) of the discrete probability distribution is obtained by getting the
sum of the products of the random variable and its corresponding probabilities. The
variance (𝜎 2 ) is obtained by getting the sum of the product of the square of the random
variable and its corresponding probabilities minus the square of the mean. The
standard deviation (𝜎) is obtained by getting the square root of the variance. In
symbol,

𝜇 = 𝑋1 • 𝑃(𝑋1 ) + 𝑋2 • 𝑃 (𝑋2 ) + 𝑋3 • 𝑃(𝑋3 ) + ⋯ + 𝑋𝑛 • 𝑃 (𝑋𝑛 )

= ∑ 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋)

𝜎 2 = ∑[𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)] − 𝜇 2

𝜎 = √𝜎 2

Below are examples in calculating the mean, variance, and standard deviation of
a discrete probability distribution.

Example 1:

Calculate the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the random variable
with the given probability distribution.

x 0 1 2 3
P(x) 0.15 0.32 0.37 0.16

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Solution:

Step 1: Construct the extended probability distribution table.

𝑋 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋𝟐 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)

0 0.15 0 0 0
1 0.32 0.32 1 0.32
2 0.37 0.74 4 1.48
3 0.16 0.48 9 1.44

Step 2: Calculate the mean by getting the sum of the entries of the column 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋).

(This is right because the formula in calculating the mean is

𝜇 = 𝑋1 • 𝑃 (𝑋1 ) + 𝑋2 • 𝑃(𝑋2 ) + 𝑋3 • 𝑃(𝑋3 ) + ⋯ + 𝑋𝑛 • 𝑃 (𝑋𝑛 ) or 𝜇 = ∑ 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋))

Hence, the mean of this probability distribution is 1.5, because

𝜇 = 0 + 0.32 + 0.74 + 0.48 = 1.54 ≈ 1.5

Step 3: Calculate the variance by getting the sum of the entries of the column 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)
minus the square of the mean.

(This is right because the formula in calculating the variance is 𝜎 2 = ∑[𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)] − 𝜇 2 .)

Hence, the variance is 0.9, because

𝜎 2 = 3.24 − (1.54)2 = 3.24 − 2.3716 = 0.8684 ≈ 0.9

Step 4: Calculate the standard deviation by getting the square root of the answer in step
3.

(This is right because the standard deviation is just a square root of the variance.)

Hence, the standard deviation is 0.9, because

𝜎 = √0.9 = 0.948 ≈ 0.9

Note that in the above example, the answers are rounded and the symbol “ ≈” is
used to mean an approximation. Below is the rounding rule for the mean, variance, and
standard deviation for a discrete probability distribution
Rounding Rule for the Mean, Variance and Standard deviation for a Discrete
Probability Distribution

The mean, variance, and standard deviation for a discrete probability

distribution should be rounded to one more decimal place than the outcome of the
random variable. When fractions are used, they should be reduced to the lowest
terms.

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Example 2:

In a family of two children, find the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the
number of children who will be girls.

Solution:

Step 1: Construct the extended probability distribution table.

𝑋 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋𝟐 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)

0 1/4 0 0 0
1 1/2 1/2 1 1/2
2 1/4 1/2 4 1

Step 2: Calculate the mean by getting the sum of the entries of the column 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋).

The mean of this probability distribution is 1, because

1 1 2
𝜇= + = =1
2 2 2

Step 3: Calculate the variance by getting the sum of the entries of the column 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)
minus the square of the mean.

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The variance is 2, because

3 3 1
𝜎2 = − (1)2 = − 1 =
2 2 2

Step 4: Calculate the standard deviation by getting the square root of the answer in step
3.

The standard deviation is 0.7, because

1
𝜎 = √ = 0.7071 ≈ 0.7
2

Example 3:

An engineering department takes projects a year. The following probability

shows the likelihood that x number of projects are completed on time.

x 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
P(x) 0.02 0.05 0.10 0.16 0.22 0.27 0.18

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 Calculate the following:
1. Mean (E(x) or (μ),
2. Variance (σ2)
3. Standard deviation

Solution:
Step 1: Construct the extended probability distribution table.
𝑋 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋𝟐 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)
1 0.02 0.02 1 0.02
2 0.05 0.10 4 0.20
3 0.16 0.48 9 1.44
4 0.22 0.88 16 3.52
5 0.27 1.35 25 6.75
6 0.18 1.08 36 6.48

Step 2: Calculate the mean by getting the sum of the entries of the column 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋).

The mean of this probability distribution is 3.9, because

𝜇 = 0.02 + 0.10 + 0.48 + 0.88 + 1.35 + 1.08 = 3.91 ≈ 3.9

Step 3: Calculate the variance by getting the sum of the entries of the column 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)
minus the square of the mean.

The variance is 3.2, because

𝜎 2 = (0.02 + 0.20 + 1.44 + 3.52 + 6.75 + 6.48) − (3.9)2 = 18.41 − 15.21 = 3.20 ≈ 3.2

Step 4: Calculate the standard deviation by getting the square root of the answer in step
3.

The standard deviation is 1.8, because

𝜎 = √3.2 = 1.7888 ≈ 1.8

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APPLICATION

Five balls numbered 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are placed in a bag. After the balls are
mixed, one is selected, its number is noted, and then it is replaced. If this experiment is
repeated many times, find the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the numbers
on the balls.

1. Construct the extended probability distribution table

2. Calculate the mean

3. Calculate the variance

4. Calculate the standard deviation

ENRICHMENT

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. Find the average number of patients
that a surgeon operates on a day. Also, calculate the variance and standard deviation.

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POST-TEST

Name: _____________________ Grade Level & Section: __________ Score: ______

Read the questions carefully. Choose the letter that corresponds to the correct
answer. Write the correct answer in the blank that corresponds to your answer.

____ 1. Von Paul rolls a die. What is the probability that 3 will appear?
A. 1/6
B. 1/7
C. 1/8
D. 2/3

____ 2. A fair coin is tossed three times and the sequence of heads (H) and tails (T) is
observed. What is the probability that no heads will appear?
A. 1/8
B. 3/8
C. 5/8
D. 2/3
____ 3. Which of the following formula is equal to the mean?
A. ∑ 𝑋 + 𝑃(𝑋)
B. ∑ 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)
C. ∑ 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋)
1
D. ∑ 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋)

____ 4. A mathematical tool is used to represent the group of data.

A. Mean
B. Standard Deviation
C. Summation
D. Variance

____ 5. Consider the given table below:

X 1 2 3 4
P(X) 0.50 0.25 0.10 0.15
Compute for the mean.
A. Mean = 1.09
B. Mean = 1.19
C. Mean = 1.90
D. Mean = 1.91

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For number 6, refer to the probability distribution shown below.
X 0 2 4 6 8
P(x) 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5

____ 6. What is the variance of the probability distribution?

A. 4.15
B. 6.35
C. 7.5
D. 8

For numbers 7 – 8, refer to the probability distribution shown below.

X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 1/8 3/8 3/8 1/8

____7. What is the variance of the probability distribution?

A. 0.5
B. 0.75
C. 1
D. 1.25

____ 8. What is the standard deviation of the probability distribution?

A. 0.71
B. 0.87
C. 1
D. 1.12

____9. If P(X) = X/6, what are the possible values of x for it, to be a probability
distribution?
A. 0,2,3
B. 1,1,2
C. 1,2,3
D. 2,3,4

_____10. Which of the following best define the probability of an event in a experiment?
A. It is the ratio of the number of unlikely outcomes to the total number of
outcomes.
B. It is the ratio of the total number of outcomes to the number of unlikely
outcomes in an event
C. It is the ratio of the total number of outcomes to the total number of the
possible outcomes in an event
D. It is the ratio of the number of possible outcomes to the total number of
possible outcomes in an event.

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____ 11. A fair coin is tossed three times and the sequence of heads (H) and tails (T) is
observed. What is the probability that 1 head will appear?
A. 1/8
B. 3/8
C. 5/8
D. 3/4
____ 12. The ratio of the frequency of occurrences relative to the total number of
occurrences.
A. Probability Distribution
B. Probability Mass Function
C. Probability Value
D. Random Variable
____ 13. It is obtained by getting the square root of the variance.
A. Expected Value
B. Mean
C. Standard Deviation
D. Variance
____ 14. Which of the following probability distributions corresponds to the probability
distribution of the number of heads that occur when three coins are tossed?
A.
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0 1 1/2 1/3
B.
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/4
C.
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 1/8 3/8 3/8 1/8
D.
X 1 2 3
P(X) 1/8 3/8 1/8

_____15. If three coins are tossed, which of the following statements is/are true?

I. The probability distribution of this problem is a discrete probability distribution

II. The mean of the number of heads that occur is 1.5
III. The variance of the number of heads that occur is 0.8
IV. The standard deviation of the number of heads that occur is 0.16

A. I and II only
B. I, II, and III only
C. II, III, and IV only
D. I, II, III, and IV

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ANSWER KEY
ACTIVITY

𝑋 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋𝟐 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)

1 1/6 1/6 1 1/6
2 1/6 1/3 4 2/3
3 1/6 1/2 9 3/2
4 1/6 2/3 16 8/3
5 1/6 5/6 25 25/6
6 1/6 1 36 6

Follow-up Questions:
1 1 1 2 5 21
1. 6 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 1 = 6 = 3.5
1 2 3 8 25 21
2. 6 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 6 = 6 = 15.16667 ≈ 15.17
3. 15.17 − 3.52 = 2.92 ≈ 2.9
4. √2.9 = 1.7029 ≈ 1.7

ANALYSIS
1. The result in Q1 is the mean of the number of points observed on the top
when the die is rolled.
2. The result in Q1 is the variance of the numbers of points observed on the top
when the die is rolled.
3. The result in Q1 is the standard deviation of the number of points observed on
the top when the die is rolled.
4. Yes, because it could be the guide and basis in calculating the mean,
variance, and standard deviation of a discrete probability distribution.
APPLICATION

1. Construct the extended probability distribution table

𝑋 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 • 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋𝟐 𝑋 2 • 𝑃(𝑋)

0 1/6 0 0 0
2 1/6 1/3 4 2/3
4 1/6 2/3 16 8/3
6 1/6 1 36 6
8 1/6 4/3 64 32/3

2. Calculate the mean

1 2 4 20
𝜇 =0+3+3+1+3= = 3.333 ≈ 3.3
6

3. Calculate the variance

2 8 32
𝜎 2 = (0 + 3 + 3 + 6 + ) − 3.32 = 20 − 10.89 = 9.11 ≈ 9.1
3

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4. Calculate the standard deviation

√9.1 = 3.016 ≈ 3.0

ENRICHMENT:

No. of
Probability
Patients x·P(x) x² x²·P(x)
P(x)
x
3 0.15 3 (0.15) = 0.45 3²=9 9 (0.15) = 1.35
4 0.10 4 (0.10) = 0.40 4²=16 16 (0.10) = 1.60
5 0.20 5 (0.20) = 1.00 5²=25 25 (0.20) = 5.00
6 0.25 6 (0.25) = 1.50 6²=36 36 (0.25) = 9.00
7 0.30 7 (0.30) = 2.10 7²=49 49 (0.30) = 14.70
ΣP(x) = 1 Σ[x·P(x)] = 5.45 Σ[x²·P(x)]=31.65

So, the average number of patients that a surgeon will operate in a day is 5.5.

The variance is 1.9 because

𝜎 2 = 31.65 − (5.45)²
= 31.65 – 29.7025
= 1.9475 𝑜𝑟 1.9

The standard deviation is simply the square root of the variance. So, the standard
deviation is 1.4 because
𝜎 = √1.9 = 1.3784 ≈ 1.4.

POST-TEST

1. A 6. D 11. B
2. A 7. B 12. C
3. C 8. B 13. C
4. A 9. C 14. C
5. C 10. C 15. B

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REFERENCES

• Statistics and Probability TG for Senior High School Statistics & Probability
•
• Statistics and Probability, MSA Publishing House, Cainta Philippines.
•
• Statistics and Probability by Rene R. Belecina, et.al, Rex Book Store Inc.
•
• Statistics and Probability. Education Resources Corporation. Quezon City,
Philippines

Statistics and Probability. Vibal Group Inc. Quezon Cty, Philippines.

• Next Century Mathematics Statistics & Probability by Jesus P. Mercado, et.al,

Phoenix Publishing House
•
• SHS Statistics and Probability (PIVOT) Lalunio, E.D.(2020). Solving Problems
Involving Mean and Discrete Random Variable.
•
• Statistics and Probability Vibal by Calaca, Uy, Nobl, Manalo
•
• www.quipperschool.com,

• https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/random-variable.html

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Surigao del Norte

Peñaranda St., Surigao City
Surigao del Norte, Philippines 8400
Tel. No: (086) 826-8216
Email Address: [email protected]

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