Exercise · ZW-POISSON-DISTRIBUTION-010 · ★★★ Advanced

\(X\) and \(Y\) are independent Poisson variables with parameters 2 and 3. What is the probability that \(X+Y=0\)?

Choose one option.

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  • B. \(e^{-5}\)

Explanation

The sum of independent Poisson variables is Poisson with parameter \(2+3=5\), so \(P(X+Y=0)=e^{-5}\). It matches \(e^{-2}e^{-3}\), the probability that both are 0.

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Review the concept: Poisson distribution

A Poisson variable \(X\) counts independent events, at a constant average rate, in a fixed interval; its parameter \(\lambda\) is the mean number of events and \(P(X=k)\) the probability of observing \(k\).

\[P(X=k)=\frac{e^{-\lambda}\lambda^{k}}{k!},\quad k=0,1,2,\dots\]

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