Basic Distributions

A surprisingly large proportion of probability problems relate to one of a relatively small number of standard probability distributions.

In this topic, we meet the most important examples, including the binomial, geometric, Poisson, exponential, gamma, uniform, and normal distributions. We look at their main properties and formulae, but also at the kinds of situations in which each one naturally arises.

This second part is especially important. It is not much use memorising a formula if we cannot recognise when to use it!

We also look at standardising normal random variables, and finish by practising how to identify an appropriate distribution from the description of a problem.