Binomial Distribution Formula

The binomial distribution formula helps to check the probability of getting “x” successes in “n” independent trials of a binomial experiment. To recall, the binomial distribution is a type of probability distribution in statistics that has two possible outcomes. In probability theory, the binomial distribution comes with two parameters n and p.

The probability distribution becomes a binomial probability distribution when it meets the following requirements.

  1. Each trial can have only two outcomes or the outcomes that can be reduced to two outcomes. These outcomes can be either a success or a failure.
  2. The trails must be a fixed number.
  3. The outcome of each trial must be independent of each others.
  4. And the success of probability must remain the same for each trial.

Binomial Distribution Formula in Probability

The formula for the binomial probability distribution is as stated below:

Binomial Distribution Formula
Binomial Distribution P(x) = nCx · px (1 − p)n−x
Or, P(r) = [n!/r!(n−r)!]· pr (1 − p)n−r

Where,

  • n = Total number of events
  • r (or) x = Total number of successful events.
  • p = Probability of success on a single trial.
  • nCr = [n!/r!(n−r)]!
  • 1 – p = Probability of failure.

Try This: Binomial Distribution Calculator

Examples on Binomial Distribution Formula

Example 1:

A coin is tossed12 times. What is the probability of getting exactly 7 heads?

Solution:

Given that a coin is tossed 12 times. (i.e) n= 12

Thus, a probability pf gettig head in single toss = ½. (i.e) p = ½.

So, 1-p = 1-½ = ½.

We know that the binomial probability distribution is P(r) = nCr · pr (1 − p)n−r.

Now, we have to find the probability of getting exactly 7 heads.(i.e) r = 7.

Substituting the values in the binomial distribution formula, we get

P(7) = 12C7 · (½)7 (½)12−7

P(7) =  792· (½)7 (½)5

P(7) = 792.(½)12

P(7) = 792 (1/4096)

P(7) = 0.193

Therefore, the probability of getting exactly 7 heads is 0.193.

Example 2: 

A coin that is fair in nature is tossed n number of times. The probability of the occurrence of a head six times is the same as the probability that a head comes 8 times, then find the value of n.

Solution:

The probability that head occurs 6 times = nC6 (½)6 (½)n-6

Similarly, the probability that head occurs 8 times = nC8 (½)8 (½)n-8

Given that, the probability of the occurrence of a head six times is the same as the probability that a head comes 8 times,

(i.e) nC6 (½)6 (½)n-6 = nC8 (½)8 (½)n-8

⇒nC6(½)n =  nC8 (½)n

⇒nC6 =  nC8

⇒ 6 = n-8

⇒ n= 14.

Therefore, the value of n is 14.

Example 3:

The probability that a person can achieve a target is 3/4. The count of tries is 5. What is the probability that he will attain the target at least thrice?

Solution:

Given that, p = ¾, q = ¼, n = 5.

Using binomial distribution formula, we get P(X) = nCx · px (1 − p)n−x

Thus, the required probability is: P(X = 3) + P(X=4) + P(X=5)

=  5C3 · (¾)3 (¼ )2 + 5C4 · (¾)4 (¼ )1 +5C5 · (¾)5 

= 459/512.

Therefore, the probability that the person will attain the target atleast thrice is 459/512.

Topics Related to Binomial Probability Distribution:

Probability Distribution Formula R Squared Formula
Skewness Formula Probability Formulas
Quartile Formula Interquartile Range Formula

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