A2 October 2021 Q6

EdexcelCurrent spec14 marksProbability Generating Functions

6. The probability generating function of the random variable \(X\) is

\[\mathrm{G}_X(t) = k(1 + 2t)^5\]

where \(k\) is a constant.

(a) Show that \(k = \dfrac{1}{243}\) (2)
(b) Find \(\mathrm{P}(X = 2)\) (2)
(c) Find the probability generating function of \(W = 2X + 3\) (2)

The probability generating function of the random variable \(Y\) is

\[\mathrm{G}_Y(t) = \frac{t(1 + 2t)^2}{9}\]

Given that \(X\) and \(Y\) are independent,

(d) find the probability generating function of \(U = X + Y\) in its simplest form. (2)
(e) Use calculus to find the value of \(\mathrm{Var}(U)\) (6)