Question:

A discrete random variable \(X\) has the distribution \(B(15,p)\). Given that \[ \operatorname{Var}(X)=3.15, \] then the two possible values of \(p\) are

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For binomial distribution \(B(n,p)\), always remember: \[ \text{Mean}=np \] and \[ \text{Variance}=np(1-p). \]
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • \(0.1\)
  • \(0.1,0.9\)
  • \(0.4,0.6\)
  • \(0.3,0.7\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall variance of binomial distribution.
For a binomial distribution \[ B(n,p), \] the variance is \[ npq \] where \[ q=1-p \]

Step 2: Substitute the given values.
Here, \[ n=15 \] and \[ \operatorname{Var}(X)=3.15 \] So, \[ 15p(1-p)=3.15 \]

Step 3: Simplify the equation.
Dividing both sides by \(15\), \[ p(1-p)=\frac{3.15}{15} \] \[ p(1-p)=0.21 \]

Step 4: Form a quadratic equation.
\[ p-p^2=0.21 \] \[ p^2-p+0.21=0 \]

Step 5: Solve the quadratic equation.
\[ p^2-p+0.21=0 \] This can be written as \[ p^2-p+\frac{21}{100}=0 \] Using factorization, \[ (p-0.3)(p-0.7)=0 \]

Step 6: Find the possible values of \(p\).
Therefore, \[ p=0.3 \] or \[ p=0.7 \] Both values are valid because probabilities lie between \(0\) and \(1\).

Step 7: Final conclusion.
Hence, the two possible values of \(p\) are \[ \boxed{0.3,0.7} \]
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