The number of phone calls arriving at a switchboard in a 10 minute time period would best be modelled with the ___.
A)binomial distribution
B)hypergeometric distribution
C)Poisson distribution
D)hyperbinomial distribution
E)exponential distribution

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Poisson distribution is best used to model the number of arrivals of a certain event in a given time period, when the arrivals are random and independent, and the average rate of arrivals is known. In this case, the number of phone calls arriving at a switchboard in a 10 minute time period would fit these criteria, making the Poisson distribution the best choice for modelling.

The Number of Phone Calls Arriving at a Switchboard in a 10