(Problem 1: Binomial Proofs)
(Problem 2: Locked Doors)
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== Problem 2: Locked Doors ==
 
== Problem 2: Locked Doors ==
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An absent-minded professor has <math>n</math> keys in his pocket of which only one (he does not remember which one) fits his office door. He picks a key at random and tries it on his door. If that does not work, he picks a key again to try, and so on until the door unlocks. Let <math>X</math> denote the number of keys that he tries. Find <math>E[X]</math> in the following two cases.
 +
*(a)  A key that does not work is put back in his pocket so that when he picks another key, all <math>n</math> keys are equally likely to be picked (sampling with replacement).
 +
*(b)  A key that does not work is put in his briefcase so that when he picks another key, he picks at random from those remaining in his pocket (sampling without replacement).
  
 
== Problem 3: It Pays to Study ==
 
== Problem 3: It Pays to Study ==
  
 
== Problem 4: No Deal ==
 
== Problem 4: No Deal ==

Revision as of 07:00, 18 September 2008

Instructions

Homework 4 can be downloaded here on the ECE 302 course website.

Problem 1: Binomial Proofs

Let $ X $ denote a binomial random variable with parameters $ (N, p) $.

  • (a) Show that $ Y = N - X $ is a binomial random variable with parameters $ (N,1-p) $
  • (b) What is $ P\{X $ is even}? Hint: Use the binomial theorem to write an expression for $ (x + y)^n + (x - y)^n $ and then set $ x = 1-p $, $ y = p $.

Problem 2: Locked Doors

An absent-minded professor has $ n $ keys in his pocket of which only one (he does not remember which one) fits his office door. He picks a key at random and tries it on his door. If that does not work, he picks a key again to try, and so on until the door unlocks. Let $ X $ denote the number of keys that he tries. Find $ E[X] $ in the following two cases.

  • (a) A key that does not work is put back in his pocket so that when he picks another key, all $ n $ keys are equally likely to be picked (sampling with replacement).
  • (b) A key that does not work is put in his briefcase so that when he picks another key, he picks at random from those remaining in his pocket (sampling without replacement).

Problem 3: It Pays to Study

Problem 4: No Deal

Alumni Liaison

Basic linear algebra uncovers and clarifies very important geometry and algebra.

Dr. Paul Garrett