Solution
Related Formula
Sum of probabilities: Σ P(X=xᵢ) = 1 Variance formula: σ² = E(X²) - μ² E(X²) = σ² + μ² = 2 E(X²) = Σ xᵢ² P(xᵢ)Core Logic
Given Probability Distribution:
| x | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| p(x) | (2a+1)/(30) | (8a-1)/(30) | (4a+1)/(30) | b |
Step 1: Set up variance equation
We know σ² + μ² = Σ xᵢ² P(xᵢ) = 2.
0²((2a+1)/(30)) + 1²((8a-1)/(30)) + 2²((4a+1)/(30)) + 3²(b) = 2 (8a-1)/(30) + (16a+4)/(30) + 9b = 2 (24a+3)/(30) + 9b = 2 24a + 270b + 3 = 60 24a + 270b = 57Dividing by 3:
8a + 90b = 19 (1)Step 2: Total Probability Equation
Sum of all probabilities equals 1:
(2a+1)/(30) + (8a-1)/(30) + (4a+1)/(30) + b = 1 (14a+1)/(30) + b = 1 14a + 30b + 1 = 30 14a + 30b = 29 (2)Step 3: Solve the Linear System
From (2), multiply by 3: 42a + 90b = 87. Subtract (1) from this new equation:
(42a + 90b) - (8a + 90b) = 87 - 19 34a = 68 a = 2Substitute a = 2 back into (1):
8(2) + 90b = 19 16 + 90b = 19 90b = 3 b = (1)/(30)We need (a)/(b):
(a)/(b) = (2)/(1/30) = 60Pattern Recognition
Notice that σ² + μ² is simply the second moment E(X²). Avoid calculating μ independently. Create a simultaneous system using E(X²)=c and Σ p=1.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Maths: Probability