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Question #40984
The Question
Let and be two independent discrete random variables. The probability mass function of is for , and the probability mass function of is for , where denotes the greatest integer function. Here, and are constants such that the sum of probabilities for each distribution is . Two subgroups and have a number of elements given by and , where denotes the expected value. If the mean of subgroup is and the mean of subgroup is , what is the combined mean of the two subgroups?
Options
- A.
125
- B.
135
- C.
145
- D.
155
Check Your Answer
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 () 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 ( and ), 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
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Chapter | Statistics - Class 11 |
| Concept | Combined Mean of Subgroups |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 7 |
| Target Solve Time | 160 sec |
| Access | Free |