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Question #40984

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Let XX and YY be two independent discrete random variables. The probability mass function of XX is P(X=k)=α[k33]P(X=k) = \alpha \left[ \frac{k^3}{3} \right] for k∈{1,2,3,4}k \in \{1, 2, 3, 4\}, and the probability mass function of YY is P(Y=k)=β(k2+[k2])P(Y=k) = \beta \left( k^2 + \left[ \frac{k}{2} \right] \right) for k∈{1,2,3,4,5}k \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5\}, where [⋅][ \cdot ] denotes the greatest integer function. Here, α\alpha and β\beta are constants such that the sum of probabilities for each distribution is 11. Two subgroups AA and BB have a number of elements given by NA=256E[X]N_A = 256 E[X] and NB=366E[Y]N_B = 366 E[Y], where E[⋅]E[\cdot] denotes the expected value. If the mean of subgroup AA is 321321 and the mean of subgroup BB is 2020, what is the combined mean of the two subgroups?

Options

  • A.

    125

  • B.

    135

  • C.

    145

  • D.

    155

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Monster

Ultra-high difficulty questions designed to test your limit, stamina, and deep conceptual understanding.

Concepts Behind This Question

Combined Mean of Subgroups|Random Variable Expectation|Probability Mass Function (PMF)|Step Function Discontinuities

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the integration of discrete probability distributions with statistical combined means, specifically using the Greatest Integer Function (GIF) as a trap.

Students often incorrectly assume continuous integration or miscalculate the normalization constants (α,β\alpha, \beta) by ignoring the discrete jumps in the step function.

The secondary trap lies in the computational stamina required: the constants 256 and 366 are deliberately chosen to cancel out the denominators of the expectations (3232 and 6161), rewarding students who correctly normalize the PMF and compute the exact fractional expectations before evaluating the subgroup sizes.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectMathematics
ChapterStatistics - Class 11
ConceptCombined Mean of Subgroups
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree