The probability distribution for the number of automobiles lined up at a Lakeside Olds at opening time (7:30 a.m.) for service is: On a typical day, how many automobiles should Lakeside Olds expect to be lined up at opening time?
A)10.00
B)1.00
C)2.85
D)1.96

Question

The probability distribution for the number of automobiles lined up at a Lakeside Olds at opening time (7:30 a.m.) for service is:  On a typical day, how many automobiles should Lakeside Olds expect to be lined up at opening time?
A)10.00 
B)1.00 
C)2.85 
D)1.96

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the expected value or mean of the probability distribution, we multiply each possible value by its probability and sum those products. Using the given probability distribution:

E(X) = (0)(0.01) + (1)(0.04) + (2)(0.11) + (3)(0.26) + (4)(0.35) + (5)(0.20) + (6)(0.03)

E(X) = 2.85

Therefore, Lakeside Olds should expect to have approximately 2.85 automobiles lined up at opening time on a typical day. This makes the best choice to be C.

The Probability Distribution for the Number of Automobiles Lined Up