Question

Decide whether the experiment is a binomial experiment. If it is not, explain why. Surveying 600 prisoners to see how many crimes in which they were convicted. The random variable represents the number of crimes in which each prisoner was convicted.

Answer 1

Answer: It is not a binomial experiment.

Step-by-step explanation:

A binomial experiment is an investigation with only two possible outcomes and a set number of independent trials. To be counted as a binomial experiment, the experiment must satisfy the following conditions;

1. Have a defined number of trials. In this case, 600 is the preset number of trials.

2. Must have only two outcomes. This condition is not satisfied as the response of the prisoners are random variables which would differ in range.

3. Each trial must be independent. This means that one trial does not affect the other.

Number two condition disqualifies the experiment as a binomial experiment.

Answer 2

The experiment is not a binomial experiment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question does not tell us much about the experiment. It only tells us about the number of prisoners surveyed. However, the experiment is devoid of the following properties:

• Each experiment is repeated for some number of trials
• The trial should result in a number of outcomes, probably two outcomes.
• The trials are to be independent.

Thus, the experiment is not binomial. An example of a binomial experiment is flipping the coin twice. The outcome of the first flip will not affect the outcome of the second trial.