Automobiles are testing for emissions. It is determined that 30 % of automobiles whose emissions levels are inspected fail the inspection. We shall conduct the experiment of inspecting car emissions upon individual cars. a.) What random variable computes the probability that r cars are inspected for their emission levels until one car fails? b.) Write down the probability mass function for your answer in a.) c.) What is the probability that 5 cars are inspected until a car fails its emissions test?

A First Course in Probability (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN:9780134753119
Author:Sheldon Ross
Publisher:Sheldon Ross
Chapter1: Combinatorial Analysis
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1.1P: a. How many different 7-place license plates are possible if the first 2 places are for letters and...
icon
Related questions
Topic Video
Question
### Probability and Emissions Inspection

Automobiles are tested for emissions. It is determined that **30% of automobiles whose emissions levels are inspected fail the inspection**. We shall conduct the experiment of inspecting car emissions on individual cars.

#### Questions:

**a.) What random variable computes the probability that \(x\) cars are inspected for their emission levels until one car fails?**

In this scenario, we are dealing with a geometric distribution. The geometric random variable \(X\) represents the number of trials (car inspections) needed to get the first success (failure in emission test).

**b.) Write down the probability mass function for your answer in a.)**

The probability mass function (PMF) for a geometric random variable \(X\), where \( X = x \) is given by:

\[ P(X = x) = (1-p)^{x-1}p \]

In our case, \( p = 0.3 \) (the probability of an automobile failing the emission test). Therefore, the PMF is:

\[ P(X = x) = (1-0.3)^{x-1} \cdot 0.3 \]
\[ P(X = x) = (0.7)^{x-1} \cdot 0.3 \]

**c.) What is the probability that 5 cars are inspected until a car fails its emissions test?**

To find this probability, substitute \( x = 5 \) into the PMF formula:

\[ P(X = 5) = (0.7)^{5-1} \cdot 0.3 \]
\[ P(X = 5) = (0.7)^{4} \cdot 0.3 \]
\[ P(X = 5) = 0.2401 \cdot 0.3 \]
\[ P(X = 5) = 0.07203 \]

Therefore, the probability that 5 cars are inspected until one car fails the emissions test is \(0.07203\).
Transcribed Image Text:### Probability and Emissions Inspection Automobiles are tested for emissions. It is determined that **30% of automobiles whose emissions levels are inspected fail the inspection**. We shall conduct the experiment of inspecting car emissions on individual cars. #### Questions: **a.) What random variable computes the probability that \(x\) cars are inspected for their emission levels until one car fails?** In this scenario, we are dealing with a geometric distribution. The geometric random variable \(X\) represents the number of trials (car inspections) needed to get the first success (failure in emission test). **b.) Write down the probability mass function for your answer in a.)** The probability mass function (PMF) for a geometric random variable \(X\), where \( X = x \) is given by: \[ P(X = x) = (1-p)^{x-1}p \] In our case, \( p = 0.3 \) (the probability of an automobile failing the emission test). Therefore, the PMF is: \[ P(X = x) = (1-0.3)^{x-1} \cdot 0.3 \] \[ P(X = x) = (0.7)^{x-1} \cdot 0.3 \] **c.) What is the probability that 5 cars are inspected until a car fails its emissions test?** To find this probability, substitute \( x = 5 \) into the PMF formula: \[ P(X = 5) = (0.7)^{5-1} \cdot 0.3 \] \[ P(X = 5) = (0.7)^{4} \cdot 0.3 \] \[ P(X = 5) = 0.2401 \cdot 0.3 \] \[ P(X = 5) = 0.07203 \] Therefore, the probability that 5 cars are inspected until one car fails the emissions test is \(0.07203\).
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 4 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Discrete Probability Distributions
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, probability and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
A First Course in Probability (10th Edition)
A First Course in Probability (10th Edition)
Probability
ISBN:
9780134753119
Author:
Sheldon Ross
Publisher:
PEARSON
A First Course in Probability
A First Course in Probability
Probability
ISBN:
9780321794772
Author:
Sheldon Ross
Publisher:
PEARSON