Appendix 6.1 Flashcards
Generalized Steps for Calculating Binomial Probabilities in Excel:
1. Setting Up the Excel Sheet:
Title: In a designated cell, enter the title indicating the binomial distribution parameters (e.g., “Binomial with n = 4 and p = 0.10”).
Headers: In cell A3, enter “x” as the heading. Below it, list the possible values of x from 0 to the maximum number of trials (e.g., 4) in cells A4 through A8.
Probability Header: In cell B3, enter “P(X = x)” as the heading.
2. Calculating Individual Binomial Probabilities:
Selecting Cell: Click in the cell (e.g., B4) where the first binomial probability will be calculated.
Insert Function: Click on the “Insert Function” button (often represented as f x) in the toolbar.
Function Selection: Choose “Statistical” from the “Or select a category:” menu.
Select “BINOM.DIST” from the “Select a function:” menu, and click OK.
BINOM.DIST Function Arguments:
Number_s: Enter the cell location (e.g., A4) containing the value for which the binomial probability will be calculated.
Trials: Enter the total number of trials (e.g., 4) in the appropriate window.
Probability_s: Enter the probability of success (e.g., 0.10) in the respective window.
Cumulative: Enter 0 to calculate individual probabilities (not cumulative).
Calculating Probability: Click OK in the BINOM.DIST Function Arguments dialog box to calculate the probability for the specified x. The result will appear in the selected cell (e.g., B4).
Auto-fill: Double-click the drag handle (lower right corner) of the cell with the calculated probability (e.g., B4) to automatically extend the formula to cells B5 through B8. The remaining probabilities will be computed and placed in cells B5 through B8.
Note: Adjust the function and cell references as per your specific Excel version and layout.
