Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 20N.2.SL.TZ0.S_3 |
Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
Command term | Find | Question number | S_3 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
A discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution.
Find an expression for q in terms of p.
Find the value of p which gives the largest value of E(X).
Hence, find the largest value of E(X).
Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain minor differences in marking or structure.
evidence of summing probabilities to 1 (M1)
eg q+4p2+p+0.7-4p2=1, 1-4p2-p-0.7+4p2
q=0.3-p A1 N2
[2 marks]
correct substitution into E(X) formula (A1)
eg 0×(0.3-p)+1×4p2+2×p+3×(0.7-4p2)
valid approach to find when E(X) is a maximum (M1)
eg max on sketch of E(X), 8p+2+3×(-8p)=0, -b2a=-22×(-8)
p=18 (=0.125) (exact) (accept x=18) A1 N3
[3 marks]
2.225
8940 (exact), 2.23 A1 N1
[1 mark]