Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · The Poisson distribution

The Poisson distribution — practice question

On any day, the numbers of girls and boys who are late for her class are represented by the independent random variables $G \sim \text{Po}(0.10)$ and $B \sim \text{Po}(0.15)$, respectively.
(a)[1]

Determine the probability that, in a randomly chosen $2$-day interval, no girls are late.

(b)[3]

Find the probability that, in a randomly selected $5$-day period, the total number of students who arrive late is less than $3$.

(c)[3]

It is given that $\mathrm{P}(G = r)$ and $\mathrm{P}(B = r)$ for $r \geq 3$ are very small and may be ignored. Find the probability that, on a randomly chosen day, more girls are late than boys.

(d)[5]

After a timetable change, the teacher says that, on average, more students are late than before the change. In one randomly selected $5$-day period, a total of $4$ students are late. Test the teacher’s claim at the $5\%$ significance level.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The correct value is $e^{-0.2}=0.819$.

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI