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3.6 Approximating a Binomial Distribution

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Question 1

A space agency monitors the deployment of a large constellation of n n\,n small satellites. The number of satellites, SSS, that successfully reach their intended altitude in a single deployment phase is modeled by the discrete random variable S∼B(n,p)S \sim \text{B}(n, p)S∼B(n,p). The mean number of successful deployments is 80.

a.

State the variance of S S\,S in terms of ppp.

[1]
b.

A normal distribution is used as an approximation for SSS. Using this approximation and a continuity correction, it is found that P(S≥92)=0.0301P(S \ge 92) = 0.0301P(S≥92)=0.0301 to 3 significant figures.

Show that 80−80p=6.117\sqrt{80 - 80p} = 6.11780−80p​=6.117 to 4 significant figures.

[3]
c.

Hence find the value of ppp, giving your answer to 2 significant figures.

[2]
Markscheme

3.6 Approximating a Binomial Distribution Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /3.6 Approximating a Binomial Distribution

67 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths 3.6 Approximating a Binomial Distribution. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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