5.2 Representing Random Variables Graphically

cumulative probability distribution

for a random variable, X, the collection of cumulative probabilities, P(X≤x) - this calculates the probability that a value of a random variable is less than or equal to a given value

probability model

a function that associates a probability (P) with each value, P(X=x), of a discrete random variable or with any interval of values of a continuous random variable

cumulative probability function (cpf)

a function that summarizes a cumulative probability distribution - more common when working with continuous random variables

discrete random variable

a random variable that can take one of a finite number of distinct outcomes

random variable

a variable that assumes any of several different numeric values as a result of some random event - denoted by a capital letter, such as X

continuous random variable

a random variable that can take any numeric value within an interval of values - may be infinite or bounded on both ends