# Math Help - Probability Distribution

1. ## Probability Distribution

Assuming that each dart has probability 0.2 of hitting its target, give the probability distribution
of the number of darts one should throw at the target to get the rst successful hit.
What is the probability distribution of the number of throws required to get two hits?
Give the expectation of each of the above random variables.
Finally what is the probability of at least one hit in n throws, and what is the smallest value of n for which this is greater than 0.9?

Can anyone help me do this question?

2. ## Re: Probability Distribution

The first step in solving questions of this sort is recognizing what sort of probability distribution you are going to need to implement. Each basic probability distribution (binomial distribution, negative binomial distribution, hypergeometric distribution, etc), is developed by proposing a generalized type of experiment.

For instance, here is how the binomial distribution is developed (this excerpt is from Devore's probability and statistics book):

"There are many experiments that conform either exactly or approximately to the following list of requirements:

1. The experiment consists of a sequence of n smaller experiments called trials,
where n is fixed in advance of the experiment.

2. Each trial can result in one of the same two possible outcomes (dichotomous
trials), which we generically denote by success (S) and failure (F).

3. The trials are independent, so that the outcome on any particular trial does not
influence the outcome on any other trial.

4. The probability of success P(S) is constant from trial to trial; we denote this
probability by p."

So, if the experiment you are considering, which would be the particular problem you are working, fits the experiment outlined for the binomial probability function, then that is the function you'll want to use.

I suggest looking at how each probability distribution is developed, in particular, the negative binomial distribution; each probability distribution corresponds to a different experiment. All these problems involve is recognizing what probability distribution corresponds to the experiment in your problem.

EDIT: If anyone see's any fallacious ideas in my post, please inform me.

3. ## Re: Probability Distribution

Here is the textbook that I referred to in my previous post: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...42768644,d.dmQ

The chapter that contains the various types of distributions is chapter three. I advised you to read it, in particular the portion of the chapter that contains the negative binomial distribution; the chapters are rather short, but contain quite a good amount of information. However, the chapter on the Poisson distribution isn't that great.

Let me know if the textbook downloads properly; if not, I can send you a private message, instructing you on how to acquire another free version of this textbook.