Solution: Probability A fair coin is tossed repeatedly. The probability that the first

Chapter 9, Problem 79

(choose chapter or problem)

Probability A fair coin is tossed repeatedly. The probability that the first head occurs on the nth toss is given by \(P(n)=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n}, \text { where } n \geq 1\).

(a) Show that \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n}=1\).

(b) The expected number of tosses required until the first head occurs in the experiment is given by

\(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n}\).

Is this series geometric?

(c) Use a computer algebra system to find the sum in part (b).

Text Transcription:

P(n)=(1/2)^n, where n geq 1

Sum_n=1^infinity (1/2)^n = 1

Sum_n=1^infinity (1/2)^n 

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