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The exponential distribution applies to lifetimes of a certain component. Its failure rate is unknown. Find the probability that the component will survive past 5 years assuming:

(a) lambda=.5
Pr=_________
(b) lambda=0.9
Pr=_________
(c) lambda=1.1
Pr=_________

1 Answer

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Answer:

a) 0.0821

b) 0.0111

c) 0.0041

Explanation:

Exponential distribution:

The exponential probability distribution, with mean m, is described by the following equation:


f(x) = \lambda e^(-\lambda x)

In which
\lambda is the decay parameter.

The probability that x is lower or equal to a is given by:


P(X \leq x) = \int\limits^a_0 {f(x)} \, dx

Which has the following solution:


P(X \leq x) = 1 - e^(-\lambda x)

Either it lasts more 5 years or less, or it survives more than 5 years. The sum of the probabilities of these events is decimal 1. So


P(X \leq 5) + P(X > 5) = 1

In all 3 cases, we want P(X > 5). So


P(X > 5) = 1 - P(X \leq 5)

In which


P(X \leq 5) = 1 - e^(-5\lambda)

(a) lambda=.5


P(X \leq 5) = 1 - e^(-5*0.5) = 0.9179


P(X > 5) = 1 - P(X \leq 5) = 1 - 0.9179 = 0.0821

(b) lambda=0.9


P(X \leq 5) = 1 - e^(-5*0.9) = 0.9889


P(X > 5) = 1 - P(X \leq 5) = 1 - 0.9889 = 0.0111

(c) lambda=1.1


P(X \leq 5) = 1 - e^(-5*1.1) = 0.9959


P(X > 5) = 1 - P(X \leq 5) = 1 - 0.9959 = 0.0041

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