A discrete random variable question

probabilityprobability distributions

The probability distribution of the discrete random variable $X$ is
$$
\mathbb{P}[X=x] = \begin{cases}
k/x, & x \in \{1,2,3\}\\
m/(2x), & x \in \{6,9\}\\
0, & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
$$

where $k,m$ are positive constants. Given that $\mathbb{E}[X] = 3.8$, find $\mathbb{Var}(X)$.

How does one do this question? I tried but am stuck, could somebody please help?

Best Answer

HINT

So your distribution is in terms of two parameters, $k$ and $m$, and you are given $\mathbb{E}[X]$. Let's use it.

  1. Find the total weight of the distribution. If you sum over all possible values of $X$, the total weight should be a well-known constant. That will give you one relationship between $k$ and $m$.
  2. Find $\mathbb{E}[X]$ from the distribution in terms of $k,m$. This will give you a second relationship between $k$ and $m$.
  3. Solve the $2 \times 2$ system to find $k,m$.
  4. Compute the variance.