The discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution
| x | a | b | c |
|---|---------|---------|---------|
| P(X = x) | $\log_b a$ | $\log_b b$ | $\log_b c$ |
where
- a, b and c are distinct integers (a < b < c)
- all the probabilities are greater than zero
(a) Find
(i) the value of a
(ii) the value of b
(iii) the value of c
Show your working clearly - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Statistics - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 6
The discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution
| x | a | b | c |
|---|---------|---------|---------|
| P(X = x) | $\log... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution
| x | a | b | c |
|---|---------|---------|---------|
| P(X = x) | $\log_b a$ | $\log_b b$ | $\log_b c$ |
where
- a, b and c are distinct integers (a < b < c)
- all the probabilities are greater than zero
(a) Find
(i) the value of a
(ii) the value of b
(iii) the value of c
Show your working clearly - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Statistics - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Find (i) the value of a
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Answer
We start with the equation for the sum of probabilities:
logba+logbb+logbc=1
This implies that:
logb(abc)=1
From logarithmic properties, we see that:
abc=36
To find distinct integers for a, b, and c, we can consider the factors of 36, which can be represented as:
2, 3, and 6
Thus, we conclude that:
a = 2.
Step 2
Find (ii) the value of b
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Answer
Using the distinct integers identified, we have:
b = 3.
Step 3
Find (iii) the value of c
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Answer
Continuing with our chosen integers, we find:
c = 6.
Step 4
Find (b) P(X₁ = X₂)
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Answer
The probability that X₁ equals X₂ can be calculated by summing the squares of the individual probabilities:
P(X1=X2)=P(X=a)2+P(X=b)2+P(X=c)2
Calculating each:
P(X=a)=logb(2)
P(X=b)=logb(3)
P(X=c)=logb(6)
Using the previous results:
P(X1=X2)=(log32)2+(log33)2+(log36)2
Compute the specific probabilities and sum them to get: