Home > Statistics > Measures of Variability

How do you determine the variance of a Poisson distribution?

Answer 1

The Poisson Distribution is that of a discrete random variable. Hence we use the summation procedure.

The variance of any random variable, X, is defined as

#sigma^2# = E(#X^2#) -# [E(X)]^2#. if the random variable is a discrete random variable, we obtain #sigma^2# = #sum_0^infty##x^2#p(x) - # [ sum_0^inftyx.p(x)]^2# where p(x) =#((e^(-mu}mu^x) / (x!)) # x = 0,1,2,3,-----#infty# Finally, the answer is obtained as #mu#.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Trending questions

Not the question you need?

HIX Tutor

Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI

98% accuracy study help
Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
Step-by-step, in-depth guides
Readily available 24/7