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Date November 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17N.3sp.hl.TZ0.5
Level HL only Paper Paper 3 Statistics and probability Time zone TZ0
Command term Find Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

The random variable X follows a Poisson distribution with mean λ. The probability generating function of X is given by GX(t)=eλ(t1).

The random variable Y, independent of X, follows a Poisson distribution with mean μ.

Find expressions for GX(t) and GX(t).

[2]
a.i.

Hence show that Var(X)=λ.

[3]
a.ii.

By considering the probability generating function, GX+Y(t), of X+Y, show that X+Y follows a Poisson distribution with mean λ+μ.

[3]
b.

Show that P(X=x|X+Y=n)=(nx)(λλ+μ)x(1λλ+μ)nx, where n, x are non-negative integers and nx.

[5]
c.i.

Identify the probability distribution given in part (c)(i) and state its parameters.

[2]
c.ii.

Markscheme

GX(t)=λeλ(t1)     A1

GX(t)=λ2eλ(t1)     A1

[2 marks]

a.i.

Var(X)=GX(1)+GX(1)(GX(1))2     (M1)

GX(1)=λ and GX(1)=λ2     (A1)

Var(X)=λ2+λλ2     A1

=λ     AG

[3 marks]

a.ii.

GX+Y(t)=eλ(t1)×eμ(t1)     M1

 

Note:     The M1 is for knowing to multiply pgfs.

 

=e(λ+μ)(t1)     A1

which is the pgf for a Poisson distribution with mean λ+μ     R1AG

 

Note:     Line 3 identifying the Poisson pgf must be seen.

 

[3 marks]

b.

P(X=x|X+Y=n)=P(X=xY=nx)P(X+Y=n)     (M1)

=(eλλxx!)(eμμnx(nx)!)(n!e(λ+μ)(λ+μ)n) (or equivalent)     M1A1

=(nx)λxμnx(λ+μ)n     A1

=(nx)(λλ+μ)x(μλ+μ)nx     A1

leading to P(X=x|X+Y=n)=(nx)(λλ+μ)x(1λλ+μ)nx     AG

[5 marks]

c.i.

B(n, λλ+μ)     A1A1

 

Note:     Award A1 for stating binomial and A1 for stating correct parameters.

 

[2 marks]

c.ii.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.i.
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a.ii.
[N/A]
b.
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c.i.
[N/A]
c.ii.

Syllabus sections

Topic 7 - Option: Statistics and probability » 7.1 » Cumulative distribution functions for both discrete and continuous distributions.
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