Question
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  1. The time required to repair a machine is an exponential random variable with rate
    owns/hour.
    What is the probability that a repair time exceeds 2 hours?
    What is the probability that the repait time will take at least 4 hours given that the repair
    an been working on the machine for 3 hours?

Ask by Lyons Boyd. in South Africa
Mar 22,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The probability that a repair time exceeds 2 hours is approximately 0.368. The probability that the repair time will take at least 4 hours given that it has already been working for 3 hours is approximately 0.607.

Solution

To solve the problem, we will use the properties of the exponential distribution.
  1. Probability that a repair time exceeds 2 hours:
    The probability that an exponential random variable exceeds a certain value is given by the formula:
    where is the rate parameter.
    Here, and .
  2. Probability that the repair time will take at least 4 hours given that the repair has been working on the machine for 3 hours:
    This is a conditional probability problem. For an exponential distribution, the memoryless property states that:
    In this case, we want to find , which simplifies to:
    where and .
Now, let’s calculate both probabilities step by step.

Step 1: Calculate

Using the formula:

Step 2: Calculate

Using the formula:
Now, I will compute these values.
Calculate the value by following steps:
  • step0: Calculate:
  • step1: Multiply the numbers:
  • step2: Express with a positive exponent:

    Calculate or simplify the expression .
    Calculate the value by following steps:
  • step0: Calculate:
  • step1: Multiply:
  • step2: Convert the expressions:
  • step3: Express with a positive exponent:
  • step4: Simplify:
  • step5: Multiply by the Conjugate:
  • step6: Multiply the numbers:

Step 1: Probability that a repair time exceeds 2 hours

We calculated:

Step 2: Probability that the repair time will take at least 4 hours given that the repair has been working on the machine for 3 hours

We calculated:

Summary of Results

  1. The probability that a repair time exceeds 2 hours is approximately .
  2. The probability that the repair time will take at least 4 hours given that the repair has been working on the machine for 3 hours is approximately .

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

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Extra Insights

To find the probability that a repair time exceeds 2 hours for an exponential random variable, we can use the formula . Here, and :
Next, for the probability that the repair time will take at least 4 hours given that 3 hours have already passed, we utilize the memoryless property of the exponential distribution:
So, the answers are and .

Exponential random variables have fascinating properties that are closely related to real-world processes like machine failures and repairs. For instance, in a bustling factory, machines often break down randomly, and the repair times can significantly impact productivity. This randomness can be modeled by an exponential distribution, helping managers forecast when they might need extra hands for repair work or spare parts.
For a deeper dive into your exponential journey, consider looking into how this distribution is applied in various fields like telecommunications and service areas where processes are inherently time-sensitive. Books like “Introduction to Probability Models” by Sheldon M. Ross provide a thorough understanding of exponential distributions alongside a plethora of real-life applications!

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