Discrete Random Variables: Common Discrete Probability Distribution Functions 1.5 2008/05/29 11:24:48 GMT-5 2008/10/27 13:47:38.139 GMT-5 Susan Dean deansusan@deanza.edu Barbara Illowsky illowskybarbara@deanza.edu Susan Dean deansusan@deanza.edu Barbara Illowsky illowskybarbara@deanza.edu Connexions cnx@cnx.org binomial discrete elementary function geometric hypergeometric Poisson probability random statistics variable This module serves as a lead-in for several types of common discrete probability distribution functions, including binomial, geometric, hypergeometric, and Poisson. Some of the more common discrete probability functions are binomial, geometric, hypergeometric, and Poisson. Most elementary courses do not cover the geometric, hypergeometric, and Poisson. Your instructor will let you know if he or she wishes to cover these distributions. A probability distribution function is a pattern. You try to fit a probability problem into a pattern or distribution in order to perform the necessary calculations. These distributions are tools to make solving probability problems easier. Each distribution has its own special characteristics. Learning the characteristics enables you to distinguish among the different distributions.