Failure

Definition of Failure

• Failure is any outcome other than the desired outcome.

For example, suppose you toss a coin and you want a head to show up. But if a tail shows up, then its called a failure. 

Solved Example on Failure

• On the average there is rainfall on 12 days every 31 days, to find the probability that it rains for 2 days every week, describe a trial (n) and a success (x) and find the probability for a failure (q).

Choices:

A. n = 7, x = 2, q = 0.39

B. n = 7, x = 2, q = 0.61

C. n = 2, x = 7, q = 0.39

D. n = 2, x = 7, q = 0.61

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Step 1: The number of trials is the number of days in a week, so n = 7.

Step 2: If it rains, then it is a success. So, x = 2.

Step 3: The probability for a success,

             p =  = 0.39.     [p + q = 1.]

Step 4: q = 1 - p = 1 - 0.39 = 0.61

Related Terms for Failure

• Outcome

                                      

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