Difference between revisions of "Random variable"
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| − | A random variable is a function that assigns a unique numerical value to every possible event having an outcome dependent on chance. The random variable will typically be different for each new event, such as a new toss of a coin. | + | A '''random variable''' is a function that assigns a unique numerical value to every possible event having an outcome dependent on chance. The random variable will typically be different for each new event, such as a new toss of a coin. |
There are discrete and continuous random variables. An example of a discrete random variable is the umber of heads observed in the ten tosses of a coin. This random variable can only have the values 0, 1, 2, ... or 10. An example of a continuous random variable is the mileage on your car until it breaks down. It can have any positive value. | There are discrete and continuous random variables. An example of a discrete random variable is the umber of heads observed in the ten tosses of a coin. This random variable can only have the values 0, 1, 2, ... or 10. An example of a continuous random variable is the mileage on your car until it breaks down. It can have any positive value. | ||
Revision as of 05:13, July 26, 2007
A random variable is a function that assigns a unique numerical value to every possible event having an outcome dependent on chance. The random variable will typically be different for each new event, such as a new toss of a coin.
There are discrete and continuous random variables. An example of a discrete random variable is the umber of heads observed in the ten tosses of a coin. This random variable can only have the values 0, 1, 2, ... or 10. An example of a continuous random variable is the mileage on your car until it breaks down. It can have any positive value.