3rd Year Power Oct.

2014
Probability and Statistics

Alexandria University
Faculty of Engineering

Sheet 1: Sample Spaces and Events

Question (1):
Provide a reasonable description of the sample space for each of the following random
experiments.
(a) Each of three machined parts is classified as either above or below the target specification
for the part.
(b) In the final inspection of power supplies, three types of non-conformities might occur:
functional, minor, or cosmetic. A power supply is inspected and classified.
(c) In the manufacturing of digital recording tape, electronic testing is used to record the
number of bits in error in 350-foot reel.
(d) An ammeter that displays three digits is used to measure current in milli-ampere.
Question (2):
Provide a reasonable description of the sample space for each of the following random
experiments.
(a) Each of 4 transmitted bits is classified as either in error or not.
(b) The time of a chemical reaction is recorded to the nearest milli-second.
(c) Calls are repeatedly placed to a busy phone line until a connection is achieved.
Question (3):
Three bits are transmitted over a digital communication channel. Each bit is either distorted
or received without distortion. Let Ai denote the event that the ith bit is distorted, i = 1,2,3.
(a) Describe the sample space for this experiment.
(b) Are the Ai's mutually exclusive?
(c) Describe the outcomes in each of the following events: A1, A1', A1 A2 A3 ,
(A1 A2) A3.
Question (4):
The rise time of a reactor is measured in minutes (and fractions of minutes). Let the sample
space for the rise time of each batch be positive, real numbers. Consider the rise times of two
batches. Let A denote the event that the rise time of batch 1 is less than 72.5 minutes and let
event B denote the event that the rise time of batch 2 is greater than 52.5. Describe the
sample space for the rise time of two batches and show each of the following events on a 2-D
plot: A , B', A B, A B.
Question (5):
A sample of two circuit boards is selected from a batch. Describe the sample space for each
of the following batches:
(a) The batch contains 90 boards that are not defective, 8 with minor defects and 2 boards
with major defects.
(b) The batch contains 90 boards that are not defective, 9 with minor defects and 1 board
with major defects.

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Question (6):
Samples of a cast aluminum part are classified on basis of surface finish (in micro-inches)
and edge finish. The results of 100 parts are summarized as follows:
edge finish
excellent
good
surface excellent 80
2
finish
good
10
8
(a) Let A denote the event that a sample has excellent surface finish and let B denote the
event that a sample has excellent edge finish. Determine the number of samples in B', A' B,
A B.
(b) Assume that each of two samples is to be classified, use a tree diagram to represent the
possible outcomes of this experiment.

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