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\centerline{Mathematics 375 -- Probability and Statistics 1}
\centerline{Information on Exam 1}
\centerline{September 30, 2003}
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\noindent
{\it General Information}
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As announced in the course syllabus, the first midterm exam will
be given next week, either in class Friday, October 10, or 
Thursday evening October 9 if the class prefers.  The exam will
cover the material we have discussed since the beginning of 
the semester, up to and including the material on geometric
discrete random variables from class on Wednesday, October 1
(this is the same as the material from Problem Sets 1 - 4).
In more detail, the topics to be covered are:
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\item{1)}  Descriptive statistics such as the mean, standard
deviation, and frequency histograms for numerical data, the ``empirical rule''
\item{2)}  Discrete sample spaces and counting techniques
for sample points -- the $m\cdot n$ rule, permutations, 
binomial and multinomial coefficients 
\item{3)}  The ``Sample Point Method'' for probabilities
\item{4)}  Conditional probability and independence of events
\item{5)}  The Law of Total Probability and Bayes' Rule -- {\it know the
proofs of these} and how to apply them.  
\item{6)}  The ``Event Composition Method'' for probabilities
\item{7)}  Discrete random variables, probability distribution
functions, expected value, variance -- {\it know the proof of the 
equation $V(Y) = E(Y^2) - (E(Y))^2$ as well as how to apply it.}
\item{8)}  Binomial and geometric random variables -- {\it know the
proof of the formula $E(Y) = np$ for a binomial random variable
based on $n$ trials with success probability $p$}, and the 
formulas for variance of binomial random variables, plus 
expected value and variance of geometric random variables.
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\noindent
{\it Other Groundrules}
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You may prepare {\it one side of a $3\times 5$ inch index card}
with formulas and any other information you want to include, 
bring it to the exam and consult it at any time.  
I will provide copies of the tables for binomial random variables 
from the text.  Calculators allowed.
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\noindent
{\it Review Session}
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I will be happy to run a pre-exam review session if there is interest.
The evening of Wednesday, October 8 would be convenient, but
other times are possible too. 
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\noindent
{\it Suggested Review Problems}
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From the text:  1.22, 1.25, 1.33, 2.122, 2.123, 2.124, 2.127, 2.129, 2.131,
2.132, 2.137, 2.144, 2.145, 3.15, 3.33, 3.53, 3.56, 3.61, 3.144
\bye

