Class JEE Mathematics Sets, Relations, and Functions Q #987
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2025 JEE Main 2025 (Online) 3rd April Evening Shift MCQ SINGLE
If the probability that the random variable $X$ takes the value $x$ is given by

$P(X=x) = k(x+1)3^{-x}, x = 0, 1, 2, 3 \dots$, where $k$ is a constant, then $P(X \geq 3)$ is equal to
(A) $\frac{1}{9}$
(B) $\frac{8}{27}$
(C) $\frac{7}{27}$
(D) $\frac{4}{9}$
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation
To find $P(X \geq 3)$, we first determine the constant $k$ using the total probability for $X$.

The probability $P(X = x)$ is given by:

$P(X= x) = k(x+1) \cdot 3^{-x}, x= 0,1,2,3,\dots$

The total probability must equal 1:

$s = \sum_{x=0}^{\infty} k(x+1) \cdot 3^{-x}$

Calculating that series:

$s = k3^0 + 2\frac{k}{3} + 3\frac{k}{3^2} + \dots$

Therefore, dividing the series by 3:

$\frac{s}{3} = \frac{k}{3} + 2\frac{k}{3^2} + \dots$

Subtracting these:

$s - \frac{s}{3} = k + \frac{k}{3} + \frac{k}{3^2} + \dots$

The resulting series is a geometric series:

$2\frac{s}{3} = k(1 + \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{3^2} + \dots )$

The sum of the infinite geometric series is:

$2\frac{s}{3} = k \cdot \frac{1}{1 - \frac{1}{3}} = \frac{3k}{2}$

Equating:

$s = \frac{9k}{4} = 1$

Thus, solving for $k$:

$k = \frac{4}{9}$

Next, compute $P(X \geq 3)$:

$P(X \geq 3) = 1 - (P(X=0) + P(X=1) + P(X=2))$

Calculating these:

$P(X=0) = k = \frac{4}{9}$

$P(X=1) = 2\frac{k}{3} = \frac{8}{27}$

$P(X=2) = 3\frac{k}{9} = \frac{4}{27}$

Adding these probabilities:

$P(X=0) + P(X=1) + P(X=2) = \frac{4}{9} + \frac{8}{27} + \frac{4}{27} = \frac{8}{9}$

Finally, calculate $P(X \geq 3)$:

$P(X \geq 3) = 1 - \frac{8}{9} = \frac{1}{9}$

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Step-by-Step Solution

The sum of probabilities for all possible values of $X$ must be equal to 1. Therefore, $$\sum_{x=0}^{\infty} P(X=x) = 1$$ $$\sum_{x=0}^{\infty} k(x+1)3^{-x} = 1$$ $$k \sum_{x=0}^{\infty} \frac{x+1}{3^x} = 1$$
Let $S = \sum_{x=0}^{\infty} \frac{x+1}{3^x} = \frac{1}{1} + \frac{2}{3} + \frac{3}{3^2} + \frac{4}{3^3} + \dots$ Then $\frac{1}{3}S = \frac{1}{3} + \frac{2}{3^2} + \frac{3}{3^3} + \frac{4}{3^4} + \dots$ Subtracting the second equation from the first, we get $S - \frac{1}{3}S = 1 + \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{3^2} + \frac{1}{3^3} + \dots$ $\frac{2}{3}S = \frac{1}{1 - \frac{1}{3}} = \frac{1}{\frac{2}{3}} = \frac{3}{2}$ $S = \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{2} = \frac{9}{4}$
So, $k \cdot \frac{9}{4} = 1$, which means $k = \frac{4}{9}$.
Now we need to find $P(X \geq 3)$. $P(X \geq 3) = 1 - P(X < 3) = 1 - [P(X=0) + P(X=1) + P(X=2)]$ $P(X=0) = k(0+1)3^{-0} = k = \frac{4}{9}$ $P(X=1) = k(1+1)3^{-1} = \frac{4}{9} \cdot 2 \cdot \frac{1}{3} = \frac{8}{27}$ $P(X=2) = k(2+1)3^{-2} = \frac{4}{9} \cdot 3 \cdot \frac{1}{9} = \frac{12}{81} = \frac{4}{27}$ $P(X \geq 3) = 1 - \left(\frac{4}{9} + \frac{8}{27} + \frac{4}{27}\right) = 1 - \left(\frac{12}{27} + \frac{8}{27} + \frac{4}{27}\right) = 1 - \frac{24}{27} = 1 - \frac{8}{9} = \frac{1}{9}$

Correct Answer: $\frac{1}{9}$

AI Suggestion: Option A

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because it requires the student to apply the concepts of probability, random variables, and infinite series to solve the problem. The student needs to use the given probability mass function to find the constant $k$ and then calculate the probability $P(X \geq 3)$.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The question requires the student to follow a specific procedure to solve the problem. This includes finding the value of k, and then calculating the required probability using summation.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of JEE, this is classified as COMPETENCY. The question requires the application of probability concepts and problem-solving skills, rather than just recalling definitions or formulas.