Types of Distributions

Probablity Distribution (non specific)

o
o

Binomial Distribution

Probablities must add to 1

Expected Outcome (Mean of the distribution)This
has been on every AP exam I have seen, either on
FRQ or MC
o x
xi pi

bg

B n, p

Multiply each outcome by its

probability and add together
Standard deviation (never been on AP exam that I
know of)

b g

x xi x pi
2

0
0.4

1
0.3

2
0.2

3
0.1

x (0)(0.4) (1)(0.3) 2(0.2) 3(0.1) 10

.
On average, Landrys sells 1 hat per week. He should buy
fifty two hats per year.

Normal Distribution

If there is reason to believe that a distribution is

normal, you must state that it is normal and state the
average ( ) and the standard deviation ( )
o This can be done by simply writing the
shorthand version:

You must draw a normal curve picture with the

problems numbers referenced in it, and it would also
be good to reference the formula for a standardized
score (z-score)
o

bg

N ,

or

x
/ n

Calculate your probability, and verify with a

calculator
State your probability and its meaning in the context
of the question

Example: A box of candy is known to have an average of 50

pieces. If it is known that the amount of packaged candy is
normally distributed with a standard deviation of 5, is it likely
to get a box with 62 pieces?

b g z 62 5 50
Pb
X 62g
Pb
z 2.4 g
0.0082
N 50,5

There is a 0.82% chance that a box would get 62 pieces of

candy or more. So this is very unlikely.

. Make sure to state what p

represents.
You must show that it meets the four criteria
o Success/Failure
o There are a set number (n) of observations
o Probability of success never changes
o Each observation is independent
Plug into the formula
o

Example: The number of hats sold at Landrys per week is as

follows
X
P(X)

You must state that it is binomial, state what a

success is, what the probability of success is and how
many observations are being made.
o This can be done with the shorthand:

b g

b g

P X k n Ck p k 1 p

n k

Describe you answer in the context of the question

Example: The probability of making any money in a state

lottery is 0.4. There is a drawing once a week. What is the
probably that you would win at least six times in a seven week
period?
B(7, 0.4) where n is the number of weeks being observed and
p = the probability of making any money = 0.4
1. success=making money/failure=not making money
2. There are seven weeks of observations
3. p = probability of winning = 0.4
4. There is no reason to believe that each drawing is not
independent

b g
Pb
X 6g
Pb
X 7g
Cb
0.4 g
b0.6g C b0.4gb0.6g

P X6

0.0172 0.0016
0.0188
Geometric Distribution
1.
2.
3.
4.

Everything is the same as for a binomial, except for

rule #2
Same
Observations are made until a success occurs
Same
Same

Plug into formula

o
o

b gb g p
Pb
X k gb
1 pg
P X k 1 p

k 1

Example: Using the information about the lottery above.

What is the probability that you would have to play at least 10
weeks until you got a win?

b g b gb g 0.01

P X 10 P X 9 0.6