6: Statistical distribution

1. probability distributions

discrete variable = a variable that can only take certain numerical values

random variable = a variable that depends on the outcome of a random event

• random variable = X

• particular value of a random variable = x

• probability that a random variable takes a particular value = P(X = x)

sample space = the range of values a random variable can take

probability distribution = a representation of the probability of any outcome

• probability mass function

  

• table

  

discrete uniform distribution = when the probabilities for all outcomes are equal