Probability and Statistics 1

5.4 Discrete Random Variables - Hard

Subject: Mathematics
Syllabus Code: 9709
Level: AS Level
Component: Probability and Statistics 1
Topic: 5.4 Discrete Random Variables
Difficulty: Hard
Questions
1. In Greenton, 70% of the adults own a car. A random sample of 8 adults from Greenton is chosen.
(9709/52/F/M/20 number 5)

(a) Find the probability that the number of adults in this sample who own a car is less than 6.
A random sample of 120 adults from Greenton is now chosen.
(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 75 of them own a car.

2. A company produces small boxes of sweets that contain 5 jellies and 3 chocolates. Jeneel chooses
3 sweets at random from a box. (9709/51/M/J/20 number 3)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for the number of Jellies that Jeneel chooses.
The company also produces large boxes of sweets. For any large box, the probability that it
contains more jellies than chocolates is 0.64. 10 large boxes are chosen at random.
(b) Find the probability that no more than 7 of these boxes contain more jellies than chocolates.

3. On any given day, the probability that Moena messages her friend Pasha is 0.72. (9709/52/M/J/20
number 7)

(a) Find the probability that for a random sample of 12 days Moena messages Pasha on no more
than 9 days.
(b) Moena messages Pasha on 1 January. Find the probability that the next day on which she
messages Pasha is 5 January.
(c) Use an approximation to find the probability that in any period of 100 days Moena messages
Pasha on fewer than 64 days.

4. The 13 00 train from Jahor to Keman runs every day. The probability that the train arrives late in
Keman is 0.35. (9709/53/O/N/20 number 4)

(a) For a random sample of 7 days, find the probability that the train arrives late on fewer than 3
days.
A random sample of 142 days is taken.
(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that the train arrives late on more than 40 days.

5. There are 400 students at a school in a certain country. Each student was asked whether they pre-
ferred swimming, cycling or running and the results are given in the following table. (9709/52/F/M/21
number 7b)

Swimming Cycling Running

Female 104 50 66
Male 31 57 92

On average at all the schools in the country 30% of the students do not like any sports.

(a) 10 of the students from this country are chosen. Find the probability that at least 3 of these
students do not like any sports.
(b) 90 students from this country are now chosen at random. Use an approximation to find the
probability that fewer than 32 of them do not like any sports.

6. In Questa, 60% of the adults travel to work by car. (9709/51/M/J/21 number 6)

1
 (a) A random sample of 12 adults from Questa is taken. Find the probability that the number
who travel to work by car is less than 10.
(b) A random sample of 150 adults from Questa is taken. Use an approximation to find the
probability that the number who travel to work by car is less than 81.
(c) Justify the use of your approximation in part (b).
7. Everyday Richard takes a flight between Astan and Bejin. On any day, the probability that the flight
arrives early is 0.15, the probability that it arrives on time is 0.55 and the probability that it arrives
late is 0.3. (9709/52/M/J/21 number 5)
(a) Find the probability that on each of 3 randomly chosen days, Richard’s flight does not arrive
late.
(b) Find the probability that for 9 randomly chosen days, Richard’s flight arrives early at least 3
times.
(c) 60 days are chosen at random. Use an approximation to find the probability that Richard’s
flight arrives early at least 12 times.
8. In the region of Arka, the total number of households in the three villages Reeta, Shan and Teber is
800. Each of the households was asked about the quality of their broadband service. Their responses
are summarised in the following table. (9709/53/M/J/21 number 7b)

Quality of broadband service

Excellent Good Poor
Reeta 75 118 32
Village Shan 223 177 40
Teber 12 60 63

In the whole of Arka there are a large number of households. A survey showed that 35% of
households in Arka have no broadband service.
(a) 10 households in Arka are chosen at random. Find the probability that fewer than 3 of these
households have no broadband service.
(b) 120 households in Arka are chosen at random. Use an approximation to find the probability
that more than 32 of these households have no broadband service.
9. Jacob has four coins. One of the four coins is biased such that when it is thrown the probability
7
of obtaining a head is 10 . The other three coins are fair. Jacob throws all four coins once. The
number of heads that he obtains is denoted by the random variable X. The probability distribution
table for X is as follows. (9709/51/M/J/22 number 4)

x 0 1 2 3 4
3 7
P (X = x) 80
a b c 80

1
(a) Show that a = 5
and find the values of b and c.
(b) Find E(X).
Jacob throws all four coins together 10 times.
(c) Find the probability that he obtains exactly one head on fewer than 3 occasions.
(d) Find the probability that Jacob obtains exactly one head for the first time on the 7th or 8th
time that he throws the 4 coins.

2
10. In a large college, 28% of the students do not play any musical instrument, 52% play exactly one
musical instrument and the remainder play two or more musical instruments. (9709/52/M/J/22
number 5) A random sample of 12 students from the college is chosen.

(a) Find the probability that more than 9 of these students play at least one musical instrument.
A random sample of 90 students from the college is now chosen.
(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that fewer than 40 of these students play exactly
one instrument.

11. Ramesh throws an ordinary fair 6-sided die. (9709/53/M/J/22 number 4)

(a) Find the probability that he obtains a 4 for the first time on his 8th throw.
(b) Find the probability that he takes no more than 5 throws to obtain a 4.
Ramesh now repeatedly throws two ordinary fair 6-sided dice at the same time. Each time he
adds the two numbers that he obtains.
(c) For 10 randomly chosen throws of the two dice, find the probability that Ramesh obtains a
total of less than 4 on at least three throws.

12. The residents of Persham were surveyed about the reliability of their internet service. 12% rated
the service as ’poor’, 36% rated it as ’satisfactory’ and 52% rated it as ’good’. (9709/51/O/N/22
number 2) A random sample of 8 residents of Persham is chosen.

(a) Find the probability that more than 2 and fewer than 8 of them rate their internet service as
poor or satisfactory.
A random sample of 125 residents of Persham is now chosen.
(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 72 of these residents rate their
internet service as good.

13. At a company’s call centre, 90% of callers are connected immediately to a representative. (9709/52/O/N/22
number 6) A random sample of 12 callers is chosen.

(a) Find the probability that fewer than 10 of these callers are connected immediately.
A random sample of 80 callers is chosen.
(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 69 of these callers are connected
immediately.
(c) Justify the use of your approximation in part (b).

14. In a large college, 32% of the students have blue eyes. A random sample of 80 students is chosen.
(9709/53/O/N/22 number 2) Use an approximation to find the probability that fewer than 20 of
these students have blue eyes.

15. Eli has four fair 4-sided dice with sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4. He throws all four dice at the same time.
The random variable X denotes the number of 2s obtained. (9709/51/M/J/23 number 6)
3
(a) Show that P (X = 3) = 64
.
(b) Complete the following probability distribution table for X.

x 0 1 2 3 4
81 3 1
P (X = x) 256 64 256

3
 (c) Find E(X).
Eli throws the four dice at the same time on 96 occasions.
(d) Use an approximation to find the probability that he obtains at least two 2s on fewer than 20
of these occasions.

16. Anil is a candidate in an election. He received 40% of the votes. A random sample of 120 voters
is chosen. (9709/53/M/J/23 number 2) Use an approximation to find the probability that, of the
120 voters, between 36 and 54 inclusive voted for Anil.

17. A red spinner has four sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4. When the spinner is spun, the score is the number on
the side on which it lands. The random variable X denotes this score. The probability distribution
table for X is given below. (9709/51/O/N/23 number 5)

x 1 2 3 4
P (X = x) 0.28 p 2p 3p

(a) Show that p = 0.12.

A fair blue spinner and a fair green spinner each have four sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4. All three
spinners (red, blue and green) are spun at the same time.
(b) Find the probability that the sum of the three scores is 4 or less.
(c) Find the probability that the product of the three scores is 4 or less given that X is odd.

18. A factory produces a certain type of electrical component. It is known that 15% of the components
produced are faulty. A random sample of 200 components is chosen. (9709/52/O/N/23 number
3) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 40 of these components are faulty.

19. The probability that a driver passes an advanced driving test is 0.3 on any given attempt. (9709/53/O/N/23
number 5)

(a) Dipak keeps taking the test until he passes. The random variable X denotes the number of
attempts required for Dipak to pass the test.
i. Find P (2 ≤ X ≤ 6).
ii. Find E(X).
Five friends will each take their advanced driving test tomorrow.
(b) Find the probability that at least three of them will pass tomorrow.
75 people will take their advanced driving test next week.
(c) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 20 of them will pass next week.

20. A pair of fair coins is thrown repeatedly until a pair of tails is obtained. The random variable X
denotes the number of throws required to obtain a pair of tails. (9709/53/M/J/20 number 5)

(a) Find the expected value of X.

(b) Find the probability that exactly 3 throws are required to obtain a pair of tails.
(c) Find the probability that fewer than 6 throws are required to obtain a pair of tails.
On a different occasion, a pair of coins is thrown 80 times.
(d) Use an approximation to find the probability that a pair of tails is obtained more than 25 times.

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Answers
1. In Greenton, 70% of the adults own a car. A random sample of 8 adults from Greenton is chosen.
(9709/52/F/M/20 number 5)

(a) Find the probability that the number of adults in this sample who own a car is less than 6.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of adults in Greenton who own a car

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ B (8, 0.7)

We are solving,
P (Y < 6) = 1 − P (Y ≥ 6)
P (Y < 6) = 1 − C6 × 0.76 × 0.32 +8 C7 × 0.77 × 0.3 + 0.78
8 

P (Y < 6) = 1 − 0.55177
P (Y < 6) = 0.448

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y < 6) = 0.448

A random sample of 120 adults from Greenton is now chosen.

(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 75 of them own a car.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of adults in Greenton who own a car

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B (120, 0.7)

In AS, the only approximation we use is the normal approximation to the binomial
distribution. So let’s use that,

X ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 120 × 0.7 npq = 120 × 0.7 × 0.3

np = 84 npq = 25.2

Substitute into our new distribution,

X ∼ N (84, 25.2)

5
 We are solving,
P (X > 75)

But this question was asked in terms of a binomial distribution (which is discrete i.e
takes exact values), now we have approximated to the normal distribution (which
is continuous i.e takes a range of values). Under a normal distribution the value 75
now represents any value between 74.5 < X < 75.5, instead of only representing the
exact value 75. This means we need to apply continuity correction,

P (X > 75) 7→ P (X > 75.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (X > 75.5)
 
75.5 − 84
P Z> √
25.2
P (Z > −1.693)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.693 0

This becomes,
ϕ (1.693)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

0.955

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.955

2. A company produces small boxes of sweets that contain 5 jellies and 3 chocolates. Jeneel chooses
3 sweets at random from a box. (9709/51/M/J/20 number 3)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for the number of Jellies that Jeneel chooses.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of Jellies that Jeneel chooses

X can take the following values,

X = 0, 1, 2, 3

6
 Let’s find the probability that X = 0,

P (X = 0) = P (CCC)
3 2 1
P (X = 0) = × ×
8 7 6
1
P (X = 0) =
56

Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = P (JCC) + P (CJC) + P (CCJ)

5 3 2 3 5 2 3 2 5
P (X = 1) = × × + × × + × ×
8 7 6 8 7 6 8 7 6
15
P (X = 1) =
56

Let’s find the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = P (JJC) + P (CJJ) + P (JCJ)

5 4 3 3 5 4 5 3 4
P (X = 2) = × × + × × + × ×
8 7 6 8 7 6 8 7 6
30
P (X = 2) =
56

Let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = P (JJJ)
5 4 3
P (X = 3) = × ×
8 7 6
10
P (X = 3) =
56

Use these values to draw up the probability distribution table,

x 0 1 2 3
1 15 30 10
P (X = x) 56 56 56 56

The company also produces large boxes of sweets. For any large box, the probability that it
contains more jellies than chocolates is 0.64. 10 large boxes are chosen at random.
(b) Find the probability that no more than 7 of these boxes contain more jellies than chocolates.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of boxes that contain more jellies than chocolates

7
 Let’s define our distribution,
Y ∼ B(10, 0.64)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (Y < 7) = 1 − P (Y ≥ 7)
10
C7 × 0.647 × 0.363 +10 C8 × 0.648 × 0.362 +10 C9 × 0.649 × 0.34 + 0.6410

P (Y < 7) = 1−
P (Y < 7) = 1 − (0.164156 + 0.064852 + 0.11529)
P (Y < 7) = 0.759

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y < 7) = 0.759

3. On any given day, the probability that Moena messages her friend Pasha is 0.72. (9709/52/M/J/20
number 7)

(a) Find the probability that for a random sample of 12 days Moena messages Pasha on no more
than 9 days.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of days that Moena messages Pasha

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ B (12, 0.72)

We are solving,
P (Y ≤ 9) = 1 − P (Y > 9)
12
C10 × 0.7210 × 0.282 +12 C11 × 0.7211 × 0.28 + 0.7212

P (Y ≤ 9) = 1 −
P (Y ≤ 9) = 1 − (0.19372 + 0.09057 + 0.01941)
P (Y ≤ 9) = 0.696

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y ≤ 9) = 0.696

(b) Moena messages Pasha on 1 January. Find the probability that the next day on which she
messages Pasha is 5 January.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of days until Moena messages Pasha again

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ Geo (0.72)

8
 5 January is 4 days after 1 January,

P (X = 4) = 0.280.3 × 0.72

P (X = 4) = 0.0158

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X = 4) = 0.0158

(c) Use an approximation to find the probability that in any period of 100 days Moena messages
Pasha on fewer than 64 days.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of days that Moena messages Pasha

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (100, 0.72)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 100 × 0.72 npq = 100 × 0.72 × 0.28

np = 72 npq = 20.16

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (72, 20.16)

We are solving,
P (V < 64)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V < 64) 7→ P (V < 63.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V < 63.5)
 
63.5 − 72
P Z< √
20.16
P (Z < −1.893)

9
 Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.893 0

This becomes,
1 − ϕ (1.893)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9708

0.0292

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0292

4. The 13 00 train from Jahor to Keman runs every day. The probability that the train arrives late in
Keman is 0.35. (9709/53/O/N/20 number 4)

(a) For a random sample of 7 days, find the probability that the train arrives late on fewer than 3
days.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of days on which the train arrives late

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B (7, 0.35)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (X < 3) = 0.657 +7 C1 × 0.35 × 0.656 +7 C2 × 0.352 × 0.657

P (X < 3) = 0.049022 + 0.184776 + 0.29848

P (X < 3) = 0.532

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X < 3) = 0.532

A random sample of 142 days is taken.

(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that the train arrives late on more than 40 days.

10
Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of days that the train arrives late

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (142, 0.35)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 142 × 0.35 npq = 142 × 0.35 × 0.65

np = 49.7 npq = 32.305

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (49.7, 32.305)

We are solving,
P (V > 40)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V > 40) 7→ P (V > 40.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V > 40.5)
 
40.5 − 49.7
P Z> √
32.305
P (Z > −1.619)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.619 0

This becomes,
ϕ (1.619)

11
 Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

0.947

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.947

5. There are 400 students at a school in a certain country. Each student was asked whether they pre-
ferred swimming, cycling or running and the results are given in the following table. (9709/52/F/M/21
number 7b)

Swimming Cycling Running

Female 104 50 66
Male 31 57 92

On average at all the schools in the country 30% of the students do not like any sports.

(a) 10 of the students from this country are chosen. Find the probability that at least 3 of these
students do not like any sports.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of students who do not like any sports

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B (10, 0.3)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − P (X < 3)

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − 0.710 +10 C1 × 0.3 × 0.79 +10 C2 × 0.32 × 0.78

 

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − (0.028248 + 0.121061 + 0.233474)

P (X ≥ 3) = 0.617

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≥ 3) = 0.617

(b) 90 students from this country are now chosen at random. Use an approximation to find the
probability that fewer than 32 of them do not like any sports.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of students who do not like any sports

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (90, 0.3)

12
 We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,
V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 90 × 0.3 npq = 90 × 0.3 × 0.7
np = 27 npq = 18.9

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (27, 18.9)

We are solving,
P (V < 32)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V < 32) 7→ P (V < 31.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V < 31.5)
 
31.5 − 27
P Z< √
18.9
P (Z < 1.035)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
0 1.035

This becomes,
ϕ (1.035)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

0.850

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.850
6. In Questa, 60% of the adults travel to work by car. (9709/51/M/J/21 number 6)
(a) A random sample of 12 adults from Questa is taken. Find the probability that the number
who travel to work by car is less than 10.

13
 Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of adults who travel to work by car

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B (12, 0.6)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (X < 10) = 1 − P (X ≥ 10)

12
C10 × 0.610 × 0.42 +12 C11 × 0.611 × 0.4 + 0.612

P (X < 10) = 1 −
P (X < 10) = 1 − (0.063852 + 0.017414 + 0.0021768)
P (X < 10) = 0.917

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X < 10) = 0.917

(b) A random sample of 150 adults from Questa is taken. Use an approximation to find the
probability that the number who travel to work by car is less than 81.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of students who travel to work by car

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (150, 0.6)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 150 × 0.6 npq = 150 × 0.6 × 0.4

np = 90 npq = 36

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (90, 36)

We are solving,
P (V < 81)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V < 81) 7→ P (V < 80.5)

14
 Now let’s solve,
P (V < 80.5)
 
80.5 − 90
P Z< √
36
P (Z < −1.5833)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.5833 0

This becomes,
1 − ϕ (1.5833)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9433

0.0567

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0567
(c) Justify the use of your approximation in part (b).

The conditions for a normal approximation to the binomial distribution are,

np > 5 nq > 5

np we calculated to be 90, in part (b). nq is,

nq = 150 × 0.4

nq = 60

Therefore, the our final answer is,

np = 90 > 5 nq = 60 > 5

7. Everyday Richard takes a flight between Astan and Bejin. On any day, the probability that the flight
arrives early is 0.15, the probability that it arrives on time is 0.55 and the probability that it arrives
late is 0.3. (9709/52/M/J/21 number 5)

(a) Find the probability that on each of 3 randomly chosen days, Richard’s flight does not arrive
late.

15
 Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of days on which the flight does not arrive late

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B (3, 0.7)

Note: If the flight doesn’t arrive late then it either arrives early or on time.

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (X = 3) =3 C3 × 0.73 × 0.30

P (X = 3) = 0.343

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X = 3) = 0.343

(b) Find the probability that for 9 randomly chosen days, Richard’s flight arrives early at least 3
times.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of days on which the flight arrives early

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ B (9, 0.15)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − P (X < 3)

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − 0.859 +9 C1 × 0.15 × 0.858 +9 C2 × 0.152 × 0.857

 

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − (0.231617 + 0.367862 + 0.259667)

P (X ≥ 3) = 0.141

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≥ 3) = 0.141

(c) 60 days are chosen at random. Use an approximation to find the probability that Richard’s
flight arrives early at least 12 times.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of days on which the flight arrives early

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (60, 0.15)

16
We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 60 × 0.15 npq = 60 × 0.15 × 0.85

np = 9 npq = 7.65

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (9, 7.65)

We are solving,
P (V ≥ 12)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V ≥ 12) 7→ P (V ≥ 11.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V ≥ 11.5)
 
11.5 − 9
P Z> √
7.65
P (Z > 0.904)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
0 0.904

This becomes,
1 − ϕ (0.904)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.8169

0.183

17
 Therefore, the final answer is,
0.183

8. In the region of Arka, the total number of households in the three villages Reeta, Shan and Teber is
800. Each of the households was asked about the quality of their broadband service. Their responses
are summarised in the following table. (9709/53/M/J/21 number 7b)

Quality of broadband service

Excellent Good Poor
Reeta 75 118 32
Village Shan 223 177 40
Teber 12 60 63

In the whole of Arka there are a large number of households. A survey showed that 35% of
households in Arka have no broadband service.

(a) 10 households in Arka are chosen at random. Find the probability that fewer than 3 of these
households have no broadband service.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of households with no broadband service

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ B (10, 0.35)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (X < 3) = 0.6510 +10 C1 × 0.35 × 0.659 +10 C2 × 0.352 × 0.658

P (X < 3) = 0.013463 + 0.072492 + 0.17565

P (X < 3) = 0.262

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X < 3) = 0.262

(b) 120 households in Arka are chosen at random. Use an approximation to find the probability
that more than 32 of these households have no broadband service.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of households without a broadband service

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (120, 0.35)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

18
 Let’s calculate np and npq,
np = 120 × 0.35 npq = 120 × 0.35 × 0.65
np = 42 npq = 27.3

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (42, 27.3)

We are solving,
P (V > 32)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V > 32) 7→ P (V > 32.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V > 32.5)
 
32.5 − 42
P Z> √
27.3
P (Z > −1.818)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.818 0

This becomes,
ϕ (1.818)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

0.966

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.966
9. Jacob has four coins. One of the four coins is biased such that when it is thrown the probability
7
of obtaining a head is 10 . The other three coins are fair. Jacob throws all four coins once. The
number of heads that he obtains is denoted by the random variable X. The probability distribution
table for X is as follows. (9709/51/M/J/22 number 4)

x 0 1 2 3 4
3 7
P (X = x) 80
a b c 80

1
(a) Show that a = 5
and find the values of b and c.

19
 Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = P (BH T T T ) + 3P (BT H T T )

P (X = 1) = 0.7 × 0.53 + 3 × 0.3 × 0.53

1
P (X = 1) =
5
1
a=
5

Let’s find the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = 3P (BH H T T ) + 3P (BT H H T )

P (X = 2) = 3 × 0.7 × 0.53 + 3 × 0.3 × 0.53

3
P (X = 2) =
8
3
b=
8

Now let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = 3P (BH H H T ) + P (BT H H H)

P (X = 3) = 3 × 0.7 × 0.53 + 0.3 × 0.53

3
P (X = 3) =
10
3
c=
10

Therefore, the final answer is,

1 3 3
a= b= c=
5 8 10
(b) Find E(X).

The formula for mean is,

E(X) = Σxp

Read off the values from the probability distribution table,

3 1 3 3 7
E(X) = 0 × +1× +2× +3× +4×
80 5 8 10 80
11
E(X) =
5

Therefore, the final answer is,

11
E(X) =
5
Jacob throws all four coins together 10 times.
(c) Find the probability that he obtains exactly one head on fewer than 3 occasions.

20
 Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of heads obtained

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ B (10, 0.2)

Note: The probability of obtaining one head is the same as P (X = 1 from the table.

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (Y < 3) = 0.810 +10 C1 × 0.2 × 0.89 +10 C2 × 0.22 × 0.88

P (Y < 3) = 0.107374 + 0.268435 + 0.301989

P (Y < 3) = 0.678

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y < 3) = 0.678

(d) Find the probability that Jacob obtains exactly one head for the first time on the 7th or 8th
time that he throws the 4 coins.

Let’s define our random variable,

T − r.v, number of throws until he obtains exactly one head for the first time

Let’s define our distribution,

T ∼ Geo (0.2)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (T = 7, 8) = 0.86 × 0.2 + 0.87 × 0.2

P (T = 7, 8) = 0.0944

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (T = 7, 8) = 0.0944

10. In a large college, 28% of the students do not play any musical instrument, 52% play exactly one
musical instrument and the remainder play two or more musical instruments. (9709/52/M/J/22
number 5) A random sample of 12 students from the college is chosen.

(a) Find the probability that more than 9 of these students play at least one musical instrument.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of students who play at least one musical instrument

21
 Let’s define our distribution,
Y ∼ B (12, 0.72)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (Y > 9) =12 C10 × 0.7210 × 0.282 +12 C11 × 0.7211 × 0.28 + 0.7212
P (Y > 9) = 0.193725 + 0.0905726 + 0.0194084
P (Y > 9) = 0.304

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y > 9) = 0.304
A random sample of 90 students from the college is now chosen.
(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that fewer than 40 of these students play exactly
one instrument.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of students who play exactly one musical instrument

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (90, 0.52)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 90 × 0.52 npq = 90 × 0.52 × 0.48
np = 46.8 npq = 22.464

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (46.8, 22.464)

We are solving,
P (V < 40)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V < 40) 7→ P (V < 39.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V < 39.5)
 
39.5 − 46.8
P Z< √
22.464
P (Z < −1.540)

22
 Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.540 0

This becomes,
1 − ϕ (1.540)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9382

0.0618

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0618

11. Ramesh throws an ordinary fair 6-sided die. (9709/53/M/J/22 number 4)

(a) Find the probability that he obtains a 4 for the first time on his 8th throw.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of throws until Ramesh obtains a 4 for the first time

Let’s define our distribution,  

1
Y ∼ Geo
6

Now let’s solve the problem,

 7
5 1
P (Y = 8) = ×
6 6

P (Y = 8) = 0.0465

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y = 8) = 0.0465

(b) Find the probability that he takes no more than 5 throws to obtain a 4.

Let’s solve our problem,  5

5
P (Y ≤ 5) = 1 −
6

23
 This simplifies to give,
P (Y ≤ 5) = 0.598

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y ≤ 5) = 0.598
Ramesh now repeatedly throws two ordinary fair 6-sided dice at the same time. Each time he
adds the two numbers that he obtains.
(c) For 10 randomly chosen throws of the two dice, find the probability that Ramesh obtains a
total of less than 4 on at least three throws.

Let’s start by drawing a possibility space diagram,

4
Die 1

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Die 2
Key:
Total is less than 4

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of throws on which Ramesh obtains a total of less than 4

Let’s define the distribution of X,

X ∼ B(10, p)

Read off the probability of obtaining a total of less than 4 from the possibility space
diagram,
3
p=
36
1
p=
12

This means that our distribution is,

 
1
X ∼ B 10,
12

24
 Now let’s solve our problem,

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − P (X < 3)
" 10  9  2  8 #
11 1 11 1 11
P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − +10 C1 × × +10 C2 × ×
12 12 12 12 12
P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − (0.418904 + 0.380822 + 0.155791)
P (X ≥ 3) = 0.0445

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≥ 3) = 0.0445

12. The residents of Persham were surveyed about the reliability of their internet service. 12% rated
the service as ’poor’, 36% rated it as ’satisfactory’ and 52% rated it as ’good’. (9709/51/O/N/22
number 2) A random sample of 8 residents of Persham is chosen.

(a) Find the probability that more than 2 and fewer than 8 of them rate their internet service as
poor or satisfactory.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of residents who rate their internet service as poor or satisfactory

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ B (8, 0.48)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (2 < X < 8) =8 C3 ×0.483 ×0.525 +8 C4 ×0.484 ×0.524 +8 C5 ×0.485 ×0.523 +8 C6 ×0.486 ×0.522

+8 C7 × 0.487 × 0.52
P (2 < X < 8) = 0.825

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (2 < X < 8) = 0.825

A random sample of 125 residents of Persham is now chosen.

(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 72 of these residents rate their
internet service as good.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of residents who rate their internet service as good

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (125, 0.52)

25
We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 125 × 0.52 npq = 125 × 0.52 × 0.48

np = 65 npq = 31.2

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (65, 31.2)

We are solving,
P (V > 72)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V > 72) 7→ P (V > 72.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V > 72.5)
 
72.5 − 65
P Z> √
31.2
P (Z > 1.343)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
0 1.343

This becomes,
1 − ϕ (1.343)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9104

0.0896

26
 Therefore, the final answer is,
0.0896

13. At a company’s call centre, 90% of callers are connected immediately to a representative. (9709/52/O/N/22
number 6) A random sample of 12 callers is chosen.

(a) Find the probability that fewer than 10 of these callers are connected immediately.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of callers who are connected immediately

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ B (12, 0.9)

Now let’s solve the problem,

P (Y < 10) = 1 − P (Y ≥ 10)

P (Y < 10) = 1 − C10 × 0.910 × 0.12 +12 C11 × 0.911 × 0.1 + 0.912
12 

P (Y < 10) = 1 − (0.230128 + 0.376573 + 0.282430)

P (Y < 10) = 0.111

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y < 10) = 0.111

A random sample of 80 callers is chosen.

(b) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 69 of these callers are connected
immediately.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of callers who are connected immediately

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (80, 0.9)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 80 × 0.9 npq = 80 × 0.9 × 0.1

np = 72 npq = 7.2

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (72, 7.2)

27
 We are solving,
P (V > 69)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V > 69) 7→ P (V > 69.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V > 69.5)
 
69.5 − 72
P Z> √
7.2
P (Z > −0.932)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−0.932 0

This becomes,
ϕ (0.932)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

0.824

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.824
(c) Justify the use of your approximation in part (b).

The conditions for a normal approximation to the binomial distribution are,

np > 5 nq > 5

np we calculated to be 72, in part (b). nq is,

nq = 80 × 0.1

nq = 8

28
 Therefore, the our final answer is,
np = 72 > 5 nq = 8 > 5
14. In a large college, 32% of the students have blue eyes. A random sample of 80 students is chosen.
(9709/53/O/N/22 number 2) Use an approximation to find the probability that fewer than 20 of
these students have blue eyes.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of students with blue eyes

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (80, 0.32)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 80 × 0.32 npq = 80 × 0.32 × 0.68
np = 25.6 npq = 17.408

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (25.6, 17.408)

We are solving,
P (V < 20)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V < 20) 7→ P (V < 19.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V < 19.5)
 
19.5 − 25.6
P Z< √
17.408
P (Z < −1.462)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.462 0

29
 This becomes,
1 − ϕ (1.462)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9282

0.0718

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0718

15. Eli has four fair 4-sided dice with sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4. He throws all four dice at the same time.
The random variable X denotes the number of 2s obtained. (9709/51/M/J/23 number 6)
3
(a) Show that P (X = 3) = 64
.

Let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = 4P (three dice showing a 2 and one not showing a 2)

Note: We multiply by 4 because any of the four dice can show a 2. So there are
four different scenarios.
P (X = 3) = 4 × 0.253 × 0.75

Note: The probability of not showing a 2 is 0.75.

3
P (X = 3) =
64

Therefore, the final answer is,

3
P (X = 3) =
64
(b) Complete the following probability distribution table for X.

x 0 1 2 3 4
81 3 1
P (X = x) 256 64 256

Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = 4P (1 die shows a 2 and the other 3 do not)

P (X = 1) = 4 × 0.25 × 0.753
27
P (X = 1) =
64

30
 Let’s find the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = 1 − P (X = 0, 1, 3, 4)
 
81 27 3 1
P (X = 2) = 1 − + + +
256 64 64 256
27
P (X = 2) =
128

Now let’s fill in the probability distribution table,

x 0 1 2 3 4
81 27 27 3 1
P (X = x) 256 64 128 64 256

(c) Find E(X).

The formula for mean is,

E(X) = Σxp

Read off the values from the probability distribution table,

81 27 27 3 1
E(X) = 0 × +1× +2× +3× +4×
256 64 128 64 256
E(X) = 1

Therefore, the final answer is,

E(X) = 1
Eli throws the four dice at the same time on 96 occasions.
(d) Use an approximation to find the probability that he obtains at least two 2s on fewer than 20
of these occasions.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of throws on which he obtains at least two 2s

Let’s define our distribution,  

67
V ∼ B 96,
256

Note: p is equal to P (X = 2, 3, 4).

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

31
 Let’s calculate np and npq,
67 67 189
np = 96 × npq = 96 × ×
256 256 256
np = 25.125 npq = 18.549

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (25.125, 18.549)

We are solving,
P (V < 20)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V < 20) 7→ P (V < 19.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V < 19.5)
 
19.5 − 25.125
P Z< √
18.549
P (Z < −1.306)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−1.306 0

This becomes,
1 − ϕ (1.306)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9042

0.0958

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0958

16. Anil is a candidate in an election. He received 40% of the votes. A random sample of 120 voters
is chosen. (9709/53/M/J/23 number 2) Use an approximation to find the probability that, of the
120 voters, between 36 and 54 inclusive voted for Anil.

32
Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of throws on which he obtains at least two 2s

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (120, 0.4)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 120 × 0.4 npq = 120 × 0.4 × 0.6

np = 48 npq = 28.8

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (48, 28.8)

We are solving,
P (36 ≤ V ≤ 54)

Apply continuity correction,

P (36 ≤ V ≤ 54) 7→ P (35.5 < V < 54.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (35.5 < V < 54.5)
 
35.5 − 48 54.5 − 48
P √ <Z< √
48.8 28.8
P (−2.329 < Z < 1.211)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−2.329 0 1.211

This becomes,
ϕ(1.211) − [1 − ϕ (2.329)]

33
 Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

0.8871 − [1 − 0.9900]

0.877

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.877

17. A red spinner has four sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4. When the spinner is spun, the score is the number on
the side on which it lands. The random variable X denotes this score. The probability distribution
table for X is given below. (9709/51/O/N/23 number 5)

x 1 2 3 4
P (X = x) 0.28 p 2p 3p

(a) Show that p = 0.12.

The sum of all the probabilities, P (X = x), is equal to 1. Let’s use that to evaluate
p,
P (X = 1, 2, 3, 4) = 1
0.28 + p + 2p + 3p = 1

Solve for p,
0.28 + 6p = 1
6p = 0.72
p = 0.12

Therefore, the final answer is,

p = 0.12
A fair blue spinner and a fair green spinner each have four sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4. All three
spinners (red, blue and green) are spun at the same time.
(b) Find the probability that the sum of the three scores is 4 or less.

Let’s write down all the possible scenarios, and evaluate them,
 2
1
1 1 2 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
1 2 1 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
1 1 1 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
2 1 1 = 0.12 × = 0.0075
4

34
 Note: Remember that the red spinner is biased. Its probabilities are in the probability
distribution table above.

Add up the results of all four scenarios,

Total = 0.06

Therefore, the final answer is,

Total = 0.06
(c) Find the probability that the product of the three scores is 4 or less given that X is odd.

This is conditional probability,

P (A ∩ B)
P (B|A) =
P (A)

A - X is odd
B - product of the three scores is 4
A ∩ B - X is odd and product of the three scores is 4

Let’s start by finding the probability that X is odd. This is P (X = 1, 3),

P (A) = P (X = 1, 3)

Read off the values from the probability distribution table,

P (A) = 0.28 + 2 × 0.12

P (A) = 0.52

Let’s find the probability that X is odd and the product of the three scores is 4. X
is odd means that the red spinner shows a score of 1 or 3. Let’s write down all the
possible scenarios, and evaluate them,
 2
1
1 1 1 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
1 1 2 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
11 3 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
11 4 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
12 1 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
12 2 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4

35
  2
1
1 3 1 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
1 4 1 = 0.28 × = 0.0175
4
 2
1
3 1 1 = 0.24 × = 0.015
4

Let’s add up the results of all nine scenarios,

P (A ∩ B) = 0.0175 × 8 + 0.015

P (A ∩ B) = 0.155

Now let’s substitute into the formula for conditional probability,

0.155
P (B|A) =
0.52

This simplifies to give,

P (B|A) = 0.298

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (B|A) = 0.298

18. A factory produces a certain type of electrical component. It is known that 15% of the components
produced are faulty. A random sample of 200 components is chosen. (9709/52/O/N/23 number
3) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 40 of these components are faulty.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of components that are faulty

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (200, 0.15)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 200 × 0.15 npq = 200 × 0.15 × 0.85

np = 30 npq = 25.5

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (30, 25.5)

36
 We are solving,
P (V > 40)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V > 40) 7→ P (V > 40.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V > 40.5)
 
40.5 − 30
P Z> √
25.5
P (Z > 2.079)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
0 2.079

This becomes,
1 − ϕ(2.079)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9812

0.0188

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0188

19. The probability that a driver passes an advanced driving test is 0.3 on any given attempt. (9709/53/O/N/23
number 5)

(a) Dipak keeps taking the test until he passes. The random variable X denotes the number of
attempts required for Dipak to pass the test.
i. Find P (2 ≤ X ≤ 6).

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ Geo (0.3)

37
 Now let’s solve the problem,

P (2 ≤ X ≤ 6) = 0.7 × 0.3 + 0.72 × 0.3 + 0.73 × 0.3 + 0.74 × 0.3 + 0.75 × 0.3

P (2 ≤ X ≤ 6) = 0.582

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (2 ≤ X ≤ 6) = 0.582

ii. Find E(X).

The formula for mean under a geometric progression is,

1
E(X) =
p

Substitute the p with 0.3,

1
E(X) =
0.3
10
E(X) =
3

Therefore, the final answer is,

10
E(X) =
3
Five friends will each take their advanced driving test tomorrow.
(b) Find the probability that at least three of them will pass tomorrow.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of frineds that will pass the test

Let’s state its distribution,

Y ∼ B(5, 0.3)

Now let’s solve our problem,

P (Y ≥ 3) =5 C3 × 0.33 × 0.72 +5 C4 × 0.34 × 0.7 + 0.35

P (Y ≥ 3) = 0.1323 + 0.02835 + 0.00243

P (Y ≥ 3) = 0.163

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y ≥ 3) = 0.163

75 people will take their advanced driving test next week.

(c) Use an approximation to find the probability that more than 20 of them will pass next week.

38
Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of people that will pass their driving test next week

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (75, 0.3)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 75 × 0.3 npq = 75 × 0.3 × 0.7

np = 22.5 npq = 15.75

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (22.5, 15.75)

We are solving,
P (V > 20)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V > 20) 7→ P (V > 20.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V > 20.5)
 
20.5 − 22.5
P Z> √
15.75
P (Z > −0.504)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

z
−0.504 0

This becomes,
ϕ(0.504)

39
 Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

0.693

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.693

20. A pair of fair coins is thrown repeatedly until a pair of tails is obtained. The random variable X
denotes the number of throws required to obtain a pair of tails. (9709/53/M/J/20 number 5)

(a) Find the expected value of X.

Let’s define the distribution of X,

X ∼ Geo(0.25)

Note: The probability of obtaining 2 tails is 0.5 × 0.5.

The formula for mean under a geometric distribution is,

1
E(X) =
p
1
E(X) =
0.25
E(X) = 4

Therefore, the final answer is,

E(X) = 4
(b) Find the probability that exactly 3 throws are required to obtain a pair of tails.

Let’s solve our problem,

P (X = 3) = 0.752 × 0.25
P (X = 3) = 0.141

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X = 3) = 0.141

(c) Find the probability that fewer than 6 throws are required to obtain a pair of tails.

Let’s solve the problem,

P (X < 6)

We can rewrite this as,

P (X ≤ 5)

40
 Which allows us to use the formula,

P (X ≤ r) = 1 − q r

P (X ≤ 5) = 1 − 0.755
P (X ≤ 5) = 0.763

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≤ 5) = 0.763

On a different occasion, a pair of coins is thrown 80 times.

(d) Use an approximation to find the probability that a pair of tails is obtained more than 25 times.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of times a pair of tails is obtained

Let’s define our distribution,

V ∼ B (80, 0.25)

We will use normal approximation to the binomial distribution,

V ∼ N (np, npq)

Let’s calculate np and npq,

np = 80 × 0.25 npq = 80 × 0.25 × 0.75

np = 20 npq = 15

Substitute into our new distribution,

V ∼ N (20, 15)

We are solving,
P (V > 25)

Apply continuity correction,

P (V > 25) 7→ P (V > 25.5)

Now let’s solve,

P (V > 25.5)
 
25.5 − 20
P Z> √
15
P (Z > 1.420)

Sketch the bell curve for our problem,

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This becomes,
1 − ϕ(1.420)

Read off the value in the normal distribution tables,

1 − 0.9222

0.0778

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0778

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