Question

The following table represents the number of free throws a typical NBA player makes in three attempts.

Free Throws Made 0 1 2 3
Probability 0 0.1 0.2

What is the probability needed in order to make this a valid probability distribution?
0.6
1
0
0.8
None of the above

Answer 1

The probability needed to make the distribution valid is 0.7. Hence, none of the above is correct

Using the table given:

Free throws made ____ 0 ____ 1 ____ 2 ____ 3

Probability __________ 0____0.1____0.2

For a valid Probability distribution, The sum of the probabilities, P(X) must add up to 1.

This means :

• ∑P(X) = 1

Probability needed = 1 - (0 + 0.1 + 0.2)

Probability needed = 0.7

Therefore, the probability needed is 0.7