Lesson 1.
Random Variables
Learning Competency
At the end of the lesson, the learners should be
able to do the following:
● Illustrate a random variable (discrete and
continuous) [M11/12SP-IIIa-1].
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the learners should be
able to do the following:
● Define a random variable.
● Represent real-life situations using random
variables.
● Determine the possible values of a random
variable.
Variables may
appear random.
The word
“random”
describes
something that is
without definite
aim, direction,
rule, or method.
In statistics, when
we say random, it
has something to
do with
probability or
chances.
Essential Questions
● How does a random variable differ from an algebraic
variable?
● What are some real-life situations that can be
represented as random variables?
Learn about It!
Random Experiment
A random experiment is an experiment that can be
repeated numerous times under the same conditions. The
results must be independent of one another.
Example:
Tossing a coin is a random experiment.
Learn about It!
Outcome
An outcome is the result of a random experiment.
Example:
The possible outcomes of tossing a coin are head and tail.
Learn about It!
Sample Space
A sample space is the set of possible outcomes of a
random experiment; denoted by a capital letter, usually .
Example:
The sample space of tossing a coin is .
Learn about It!
Random Variables
A random variable is a function that associates a
numerical value to every outcome of a random
experiment; denoted by a capital letter, usually .
The domain is the sample space, and the range is some
set of real numbers.
Learn about It!
Random Variables
Example:
Suppose represents the number of heads that can
appear in tossing a coin. The possible values of the
random variable are 0 and 1.
Try
Let’s
it!Practice
Example 1: Let be a random variable that denotes the
result of rolling a die. What are the possible values of ?
Solution to Let’s Practice
Example 1: Let be a random variable that denotes the
result of rolling a die. What are the possible values of ?
Solution:
The sample space of rolling a die is Thus, the possible
values of are and .
Try
Let’s
it!Practice
Example 2: A coin is flipped three times. If represents
the number of tails of the outcome, what are the possible
values of ?
Solution to Let’s Practice
Example 2: A coin is flipped three times. If represents the number of
tails of the outcome, what are the possible values of ?
Solution:
1. List the possible outcomes of the experiment.
This can be done using a table or tree diagram. Let
represent heads and represent tails.
Solution to Let’s Practice
Example 2: A coin is flipped three times. If represents the number of
tails of the outcome, what are the possible values of ?
Solution:
1. List the possible outcomes of the experiment.
Solution to Let’s Practice
Example 2: A coin is flipped three times. If represents the number of
tails of the outcome, what are the possible values of ?
Solution:
1. List the possible outcomes of the experiment.
From the illustration on the previous slide, we can say
that the possible outcomes are:
𝑆={𝐻𝐻𝐻 ,𝐻𝐻𝑇 ,𝐻𝑇𝐻 , 𝐻𝑇𝑇 ,𝑇𝐻𝐻 ,𝑇𝐻𝑇 ,𝑇𝑇𝐻 ,𝑇𝑇𝑇 }
Solution to Let’s Practice
Example 2: A coin is flipped three times. If represents the number of
tails of the outcome, what are the possible values of ?
Solution:
2. Count the number of tails in each outcome.
Possible Number of Possible Number of
outcomes tails outcomes tails
HHH 0 THH 1
HHT 1 THT 2
HTH 1 TTH 2
HTT 2 TTT 3
Solution to Let’s Practice
Example 2: A coin is flipped three times. If represents the number of
tails of the outcome, what are the possible values of ?
Solution:
2. Count the number of tails in each outcome.
Based on the table, the number of tails can be , , , or .
Thus, the possible values of are and.
Try It!
Individual Practice:
1. Let be the number of males in a class with 30
students. What are the possible values of ?
2. A mother will give birth to a twin. If denotes the
number of boys, what are the possible values of ?
Try It!
ACTIVITY
1. A die is rolled twice. Let Y be a random variable that
denotes the number of even numbers that appear. What
are the possible values of Y?
2. A technician has to choose three chips at random from
four chips, two of which are defective. Let represent the
number of non-defective chips chosen. What are the
possible values of given that the first chip chosen is
defective?
Key Points
● A random experiment is an experiment that can be
repeated numerous times under the same conditions.
The results must be independent of one another.
● An outcome is the result of a random experiment.
● A sample space is a set of possible outcomes of a
random experiment; denoted by a capital letter,
usually .
Key Points
● A random variable is a function that associates a
numerical value to every outcome of a random
experiment; denoted by a capital letter, usually .
Bibliography
Belecina, Rene R. et al. Statistics and Probability. Quezon City: Rex Book Store Inc., 2017.
Kenton, Will. “Random Variable Definition.” Investopedia. Retrieved 18 June 2019 from
http://bit.ly/2Zm6aO0
Khan, Salman. “Random variables.” Khan Academy. Retrieved 18 June 2019 from
https://bit.ly/2Rnzv6t
Pierce, Rod. “Random Variables.” Math Is Fun. Retrieved June 18, 2019 from
http://bit.ly/2XeWg3k
