Random variables
A random variable uses real numerical values to describe a probabilistic event. In our previous work with variables (both in math and programming), we were used to the fact that a variable takes on a certain value. For example, we might have a triangle in which we are given a variable h for the hypotenuse, and we must figure out the length of the hypotenuse. We also might have, in Python:
x = 5
Both of these variables are equal to one value at a time. In a random variable, we are subject to randomness, which means that our variables' values are, well just that, variable! They might take on multiple values depending on the environment.
A random variable still, as shown previously, holds a value. The main distinction between variables ...
Get Principles of Data Science now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
