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Geometric Distribution

Definition

The geometric distribution is a probability distribution that models the number of trials needed to achieve the first success in a sequence of independent Bernoulli trials, where each trial has the same probability of success.

Analogy

Imagine you are flipping a fair coin repeatedly until you get heads for the first time. The geometric distribution would tell you the probability of how many flips it will take to get that first heads.

Related terms

Bernoulli Trials: A sequence of independent experiments with only two possible outcomes, usually referred to as "success" and "failure."

Probability of Success: The likelihood of achieving a desired outcome in an experiment or event.

Expected Value: The average value or mean outcome that can be expected from a random variable.

"Geometric Distribution" appears in:

Practice Questions (2)

  • Why does a geometric distribution have a skewed right graph?
  • Which of the following conditions must be met for a random event to be modeled using a geometric distribution?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.