# Math Help - Discrete Random Variables - pmf

1. ## Discrete Random Variables - pmf

The discrete random variable R takes the values in S = { -3, -1, 1, 3 } with probabilities respectively,

( 1 - theta )/4, ( 1 - 3theta) /4, ( 1 + 3theta)/4, (1+ theta)/4,

where theta is a real constant. Find the range of values for which this is a valid probability mass function.

i think the answer is -1/3 =< theta =< 1/3
BUT HOW DO PROVE IT!!!!!!!

help!!

2. ## Re: Discrete Random Variables - pmf

Originally Posted by Matt1993
The discrete random variable R takes the values in S = { -3, -1, 1, 3 } with probabilities respectively,

( 1 - theta )/4, ( 1 - 3theta) /4, ( 1 + 3theta)/4, (1+ theta)/4,

where theta is a real constant. Find the range of values for which this is a valid probability mass function.

i think the answer is -1/3 =< theta =< 1/3
BUT HOW DO PROVE IT!!!!!!!

help!!
Hi Matt1993!

What is the reason you think that -1/3 =< theta =< 1/3?
That is likely the key to the proof...

3. ## Re: Discrete Random Variables - pmf

See all I did was let the pmfs equal zero and then I just tried values until I came up with that answer. That's the problem

4. ## Re: Discrete Random Variables - pmf

Originally Posted by Matt1993
See all I did was let the pmfs equal zero and then I just tried values until I came up with that answer. That's the problem
That's close.

The axioms of probability (see wiki) require in particular 2 things from the probabilities:

1. Each probability is at least 0: $p \ge 0$.
.
2. The sum of all probabilities is 1: $\sum p = 1$.

$( 1 - \theta )/4 \ge 0$
$( 1 - 3\theta) /4 \ge 0$
$( 1 + 3\theta)/4 \ge 0$
$(1+ \theta)/4 \ge 0$
$( 1 -\theta )/4 + ( 1 - 3\theta) /4 + ( 1 + 3\theta)/4 + (1+ \theta)/4 = 1$