Date | May 2012 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 12M.3sp.hl.TZ0.4 |
Level | HL only | Paper | Paper 3 Statistics and probability | Time zone | TZ0 |
Command term | Show and Sketch | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The continuous random variable X has probability density function f given by
f(x)={2x,0⩽x⩽0.5,43−23x,0.5⩽x⩽20,otherwise.
Sketch the function f and show that the lower quartile is 0.5.
(i) Determine E(X ).
(ii) Determine E(X2).
Two independent observations are made from X and the values are added.
The resulting random variable is denoted Y .
(i) Determine E(Y−2X) .
(ii) Determine Var(Y−2X).
(i) Find the cumulative distribution function for X .
(ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the median of the distribution.
Markscheme
piecewise linear graph
correct shape A1
with vertices (0, 0), (0.5, 1) and (2, 0) A1
LQ: x = 0.5 , because the area of the triangle is 0.25 R1
[3 marks]
(i) E(X)=∫0.50x×2xdx+∫20.5x×(43−23x)dx=56 (=0.833...) (M1)A1
(ii) E(X2)=∫0.50x2×2xdx+∫20.5x2×(43−23x)dx=78 (=0.875) (M1)A1
[4 marks]
(i) E(Y−2X)=2E(X)−2E(X)=0 A1
(ii) Var(X)=(E(X2)−E(X)2)=1372 A1
Y=X1+X2⇒Var(Y)=2Var (X) (M1)
Var(Y−2X)=2Var(X)+4Var(X)=1312 M1A1
[5 marks]
(i) attempt to use cf(x)=∫f(u)du M1
obtain cf(x)={x2,0⩽x⩽0.5,4x3−13x2−13,0.5⩽x⩽2, A1A2
(ii) attempt to solve cf(x)=0.5 M1
4x3−13x2−13=0.5 (A1)
obtain 0.775 A1
Note: Accept attempts in the form of an integral with upper limit the unknown median.
Note: Accept exact answer 2−√1.5 .
[7 marks]
Examiners report
There was a curious issue about the lower quartile in part (a): The LQ coincides with a quarter of the range of the distribution 24=0.5. Sadly this is wrong reasoning – the correct reasoning involves a consideration of areas.
There was a curious issue about the lower quartile in part (a): The LQ coincides with a quarter of the range of the distribution 24=0.5. Sadly this is wrong reasoning – the correct reasoning involves a consideration of areas.
In part (b) many candidates used hand calculation rather than their GDC.
The random variable Y was not well understood, and that followed into incorrect calculations involving Y – 2X.
There was a curious issue about the lower quartile in part (a): The LQ coincides with a quarter of the range of the distribution 24=0.5. Sadly this is wrong reasoning – the correct reasoning involves a consideration of areas.
In part (b) many candidates used hand calculation rather than their GDC.
The random variable Y was not well understood, and that followed into incorrect calculations involving Y – 2X.
There was a curious issue about the lower quartile in part (a): The LQ coincides with a quarter of the range of the distribution 24=0.5. Sadly this is wrong reasoning – the correct reasoning involves a consideration of areas.
In part (b) many candidates used hand calculation rather than their GDC.
The random variable Y was not well understood, and that followed into incorrect calculations involving Y – 2X.