Here is a simple problem in probability.
(1) Pick a number k between 1 and 9. Assume all digits are equally likely.
(2) Pick a number m in the range from 1 to k.
What is the probability distribution for the number m?
A graph of the probability distribution is shown in the figure here.
Probability distribution for a decimal digit selected in a two-step process.
Can you derive a formula for this probability distribution?
Can you generalise it to the range from 1 to 10^n?
Can you relate this problem to Benford’s Law [described here]?
Solution, and more on Benford’s Law, next week.
ThatsMaths 