Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation · Topic 4: Statistics and probability

AHL4.17 — The Poisson distribution

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. AIAHL4.17.1

   The Poisson distribution, mean and variance

   $P(X=x)=\dfrac{\lambda^{x}e^{-\lambda}}{x!}$ with mean and variance both $\lambda$.

2. AIAHL4.17.2

   Sums of Poisson variables and calculations

   Independent Poissons add; finding probabilities with technology.

3. AIAHL4.17.3

   Choosing normal, binomial or Poisson

   Recognising from context which distribution is appropriate.