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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Mathematics » Probability mass function

Probability mass function

The probability mass function, often known as the probability mass function, is a straightforward topic in mathematics. It is a part of the statistical process.The Probability Mass Function is sometimes referred to as the Probability Function or the frequency function in other contexts.

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PMF is a subject that you will find both entertaining and informative as you learn more about it. It is a thought-provoking and practical concept. The Probability Mass Function is sometimes referred to as the Probability Function or the frequency function in other contexts. The probability distribution function (PMF) characterises the distribution of a discrete variable that is unplanned or random. An illustration of a discrete random variable:

If we consider Y to be the random variable of a function, we can write down the probability mass function for it as:

Py (y) = P (Y-y), where y is a positive integer that falls inside the range of Y.

The following are two conditions under which the probability function should be evaluated:

• P y (y) 0 = P y (y)

• ∑ yϵRange (y) P y (y) = 1

Definition of the Probability Mass Function

The Probability Mass Function is defined as the sum of all the values of R, where R can be any real number and is taken into account in the calculation. There are two instances in which Y is not responsible for the expense. In the first instance, if the case is equal to zero. The second instance is when the value is negative; yet, the value of the probability function is always positive in this case.

The Probability Discrete Function (PMF) is another name for this function (PDF). When you draw the variable, it causes distinct outcomes or results, which is why it’s offered in the first place. The discrete probability function is utilised in two different contexts: computer programming and statistical modelling, respectively.

Probability Mass Function 

Probability is defined in its most basic form. When it comes to the probability of events taking place or occurring, the Mass Function is the function that is used. To express the expectations of discrete events, the term “mass” is employed.

Finding The Probability Mass Function 

Calculating the Chances of Success Mass Function is an abbreviation for mass function.

Finding the PMF for a variable is a straightforward process. The following are the steps that must be followed in order to determine the PMF of a variable:

  • The first step is to create a plan. Begin by completing the first condition of the PMF in order to begin answering the question. (as already indicated)
  • Step 2: Add together all of the values of P (X- x) and divide by two. In this set, there will be a whole number (0, 1, 2, etc.), numbers with variables (1, 2y, 3y), and numbers that are squared ( 2 y2, 3 y2 ).
  • Using simultaneous equations, begin attempting to calculate the sum in step three.
  • In Step 4, you will receive two answers because you will be employing simultaneous equations throughout the process.
  • Step 5: You must determine which of the solutions meets both of the following requirements:
  • The variable’s value is never negative; instead, it is always positive.
  • (The amount of the variable is not equal to zero in the equation.
  • The correct answer to the question is the one that satisfies both of the conditions listed above in the question.

Applications of the Probability Mass Function

When it comes to probability mass functions, there are numerous instances in which they are employed and applied. Some of the places where PMF is used include the following examples:

Statistical analysis is one of the parts in which PMF is employed. It is critical and crucial in the study of statistics because it is used in many fields. The Probability Function depicts the multiple probabilities associated with the discrete variable information.

• PMF combines the random number variable with the variable for the random number that is equivalent or equal to the expectation for the random number.

A common application for PMF is to calculate two important concepts in statistics: the mean and the discrete distribution.

• Another application where the binomial and Poisson distributions are used is to determine the value of variables that are different and randomly distributed.

Between PDF and PMF, there are primarily two distinctions to be made. The following are the two differences that exist between them:

There is a distinction between PDF and PMF: PDF is a portable document format, whereas PMF is a portable manuscript format.

Conclusion

The Binomial Distribution’s Probability Mean Field (PMF)

PMF has a number of applications in the case of the binomial distribution, including the following:

It is necessary to determine the number of successful sales calls.

In order to determine the number of defective products produced during a production run

Counting the number of heads and tails when flipping a coin

It is possible to compute the number of male and female employees in a company.

The process of determining the vote totals for two separate candidates in a presidential election

Consider the following scenario: a test comprises ten multiple-choice questions, each of which has four alternative answers, only one of which is the correct one. In this scenario, the correct answer is the only one. The probability mass function is employed in order to determine the likelihood of receiving accurate and erroneous replies.

The Poisson Distribution’s Poisson Mean Field (PMF)

In the same way that binomial distribution has applications, Poisson distribution has applications as well.

In order to determine the monthly demand for a specific product,

Calculating the number of customers who arrive at a bank on an hourly basis

Obtaining the number of accesses to a given web server on an hourly basis

Counting the amount of errors that appear in a book

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

What is the difference between PDF and PMF?

Ans. The probability mass function (PMF) is a probability distribution function that is used to characterise discret...Read full

Is there a difference between PDF and PMF?

Ans. No, PDF and PMF are not interchangeable terms. PDF and PMF are distinct in terms of random variables, and we ma...Read full

Is it possible to have a probability greater than one?

Ans. Any event has a less than or equal to 1 chance of occurring, and none has a chance greater than 1.

Is it possible for PMF to be negative?

Ans. PMF, on the other hand, is exclusively positive.

 

What is the procedure for determining the probability mass function?

Ans. The probability mass function can be determined by considering the follow...Read full

Ans. The probability mass function (PMF) is a probability distribution function that is used to characterise discrete probability distributions. When it comes to continuous probability distributions, the probability density function (PDF) is used to describe the distributions.

Ans. No, PDF and PMF are not interchangeable terms. PDF and PMF are distinct in terms of random variables, and we may describe the difference between the two. Continuous random variables are dealt with using the PDF method, whereas discrete random variables are handled using the PMF method.

 

Ans. Any event has a less than or equal to 1 chance of occurring, and none has a chance greater than 1.

Ans. PMF, on the other hand, is exclusively positive.

 

Ans. The probability mass function can be determined by considering the following conditions.

Px (x) ≥ θ and

∑_xϵRange(x) , Px (x) = 1

 

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