FeaturesHow It WorksFor ParentsPricingContactLog inStart free β€” no credit card needed β†’

Mathematical Methods Β· Unit 3 Β· Discrete random variables Β· Binomial distributions

Calculate the mean 𝑛𝑝 and variance 𝑛𝑝(1 βˆ’ 𝑝) of a binomial distribution using technology and algebraic methods.

Practise this objective

AI-marked practice questions tied to QCAA mark schemes for this exact LO. Free to start.

Start free practice

Practice questions for this objective

Full questions, answers and worked solutions unlock when you start a free practice session.

Question 1

A manufacturer tests batches of light bulbs for defects. Historical data shows that 8% of bulbs are defective. In a quality assurance sample of 250 bulbs, calculate the standard deviation of the number of defective bulbs.

Worked answer
πŸ”’ Start free to see full answer
Question 2

A wildlife biologist is monitoring nesting success in a penguin colony. From long-term records, each pair has a probability of $p = 0.72$ of successfully raising at least one chick each season. The biologist selects $n = 50$ randomly chosen pairs for the current season. Let $X$ be the binomial random variable representing the number of successful pairs. Calculate: (a) the mean of $X$ [1 mark] (b) the standard deviation of $X$, correct to 2 decimal places [1 mark] (c) the variance of $X$, in exact form or to 2 decimal places [1 mark]

Worked answer
πŸ”’ Start free to see full answer
Question 3

A Queensland wildlife sanctuary monitors the daily breeding behaviour of a colony of endangered frogs. Historical data shows that on any given day during the breeding season, the probability that at least one successful mating call is recorded is \(0.72\). The sanctuary conducts observations for \(50\) consecutive days during the breeding season. Let \(Y\) be the binomial random variable representing the number of days on which at least one successful mating call is recorded. (a) Calculate the mean and variance of \(Y\) using algebraic methods. (2 marks) (b) At the end of the \(50\)-day period, the sanctuary recorded successful calls on \(32\) days. Calculate how many standard deviations this observed value is from the mean. Give your answer correct to two decimal places. (2 marks)

Worked answer
πŸ”’ Start free to see full answer
Question 4

A quality control inspector examines batches of electronic components. Historical data shows that 8% of components are defective. The inspector randomly selects 45 components from a large shipment for testing. Let \( X \) represent the number of defective components in the sample. Calculate the mean and variance of \( X \).

Worked answer
πŸ”’ Start free to see full answer
Unlock all 4 answers β€” free

More in Binomial distributions

Next β†’
Determine and use the probabilities 𝑃(𝑋 = π‘Ÿ) = (𝑛 π‘Ÿ) π‘π‘Ÿ (1 βˆ’ 𝑝)π‘›βˆ’π‘Ÿ associated with the binomial distribution with parameters 𝑛 and 𝑝.
All LOs in Binomial distributionsBack to full Mathematical Methods syllabus