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#1 2007-09-25 16:03:09

Boy George
Guest

Probability question

This probability question was in an example in my textbook, but it wasn't explained clearly so I was wondering if anyone could explain the steps!  Thanks in advance!

Compute P(X>10) when X has a geometric distribution with parameter p.

#2 2007-09-26 00:45:50

JaneFairfax
Member
Registered: 2007-02-23
Posts: 6,868

Re: Probability question

In a geometric distribution, p is the probability of success and (1−p) the probability of failure of each trial of an experiment. P(X>10) is the probability that more than 10 trials are needed to succeed in the experiment. This is, in other words, the probability that the first 10 trials end in failure – which is (1−p)[sup]10[/sup].

The formal calculation is as follows.

Last edited by JaneFairfax (2007-09-26 00:53:31)

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