1
$\begingroup$

Suppose $Y_1,Y_2,\ldots,Y_5$ is a random sample of distribution with Probability function $$\mathbb{P}(Y=y)=\frac{1}{3} , \quad y=1,3,5.$$ How can I calculate $\mathbb{P}\left(\sum\limits_{i=1}^5\left[\dfrac{Y_i}{3}\right]=3\right)$?

Here $[y]$ denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to $y$.

$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

5
$\begingroup$

Since you tagged your question as self-study, I'll not give the full answer here but try to help you get on the right path.

To clarify, you're using $[\bullet]$ to denote the floor function. In which case, since $Y_i$ can take on values 1, 3, and 5, then $\left[ \frac{Y_i}{3} \right]$ can only be 0 or 1 (since 3/3 = 1 and 5/3 = 1.66... which would also get rounded down to 1).

Think about what this means. You can now consider $\left[ \frac{Y_i}{3} \right]$ as your random variable, which can take on 2 values, with probabilities that you can work out from the original probability distribution for $Y_i$.

Note that this essentially reduces the problem to a series of coin tosses with an unfair coin.

$\endgroup$
3
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ The floor function is another name for the greatest integer less than or equal to y. Which is the way the OP stated it. $\endgroup$ May 2, 2017 at 14:18
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Why then do you need to ask the OP to clarify that notation, if it is stated? $\endgroup$
    – wolfies
    May 2, 2017 at 16:45
  • $\begingroup$ Fair enough. I guess it wasn't really intended as a question to the OP, more as a clarifying remark (just because the floor function is usually denoted $\left\lfloor\bullet\right\rfloor$). Edited my answer so it's no longer a question. $\endgroup$ May 3, 2017 at 13:36
3
$\begingroup$

The floor of $Y_i/3$ is 1 when $Y = 3,5$ and zero otherwise. So, for that sum to equal 3, you need exactly 3/5 of the $Y_i \in \{3,5\}$. So, the sum you wrote has a binomial distribution with $5$ trials and success probability $2/3$, so the answer is

$$ \frac{5! \times 2}{3^6} $$

You can also just count the possibilities, as you will find there are 243 possible combinations and 80 of them produce the sum you said.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.