To find the variance of the uniform discrete random variable [tex]\(X\)[/tex] with possible values [tex]\(1, 2, \ldots, n\)[/tex], let's follow these steps:
1. Calculate the Mean [tex]\( \mu \)[/tex] of [tex]\(X\)[/tex]:
The mean (or expected value) of a uniform discrete random variable [tex]\(X\)[/tex], taking values from [tex]\(1\)[/tex] to [tex]\(n\)[/tex], is given by:
[tex]\[
\mu = E(X) = \frac{1 + 2 + \cdots + n}{n}
\][/tex]
Using the formula for the sum of the first [tex]\(n\)[/tex] natural numbers:
[tex]\[
\sum_{k=1}^{n} k = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}
\][/tex]
Therefore,
[tex]\[
E(X) = \frac{1 + 2 + \cdots + n}{n} = \frac{\frac{n(n+1)}{2}}{n} = \frac{n+1}{2}
\][/tex]
Hence, the mean [tex]\( \mu \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
\mu = \frac{n+1}{2}
\][/tex]
2. Calculate [tex]\( E(X^2) \)[/tex]:
We need the expected value of [tex]\(X^2\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
E(X^2) = \frac{1^2 + 2^2 + \cdots + n^2}{n}
\][/tex]
Using the given hint for the sum of squares:
[tex]\[
\sum_{k=1}^{n} k^2 = \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}
\][/tex]
So,
[tex]\[
E(X^2) = \frac{1^2 + 2^2 + \cdots + n^2}{n} = \frac{\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}}{n} = \frac{(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}
\][/tex]
3. Calculate the Variance [tex]\( \text{Var}(X) \)[/tex]:
The variance of [tex]\(X\)[/tex] is given by:
[tex]\[
\text{Var}(X) = E(X^2) - [E(X)]^2
\][/tex]
Substitute [tex]\( E(X) \)[/tex] and [tex]\( E(X^2) \)[/tex] into the variance formula:
[tex]\[
\text{Var}(X) = \frac{(n+1)(2n+1)}{6} - \left( \frac{n+1}{2} \right)^2
\][/tex]
4. Simplify the Expression:
First, calculate [tex]\( \left( \frac{n+1}{2} \right)^2 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\left( \frac{n+1}{2} \right)^2 = \frac{(n+1)^2}{4}
\][/tex]
Now, let's put everything together:
[tex]\[
\text{Var}(X) = \frac{(n+1)(2n+1)}{6} - \frac{(n+1)^2}{4}
\][/tex]
To combine the terms, we need a common denominator, which is 12:
[tex]\[
\text{Var}(X) = \frac{2(n+1)(2n+1)}{12} - \frac{3(n+1)^2}{12}
\][/tex]
Simplify the numerator:
[tex]\[
\text{Var}(X) = \frac{2(n+1)(2n+1) - 3(n+1)^2}{12}
\][/tex]
Factor out [tex]\( (n+1) \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\text{Var}(X) = \frac{(n+1) [2(2n+1) - 3(n+1)]}{12}
\][/tex]
Simplify inside the brackets:
[tex]\[
2(2n+1) - 3(n+1) = 4n + 2 - 3n - 3 = n - 1
\][/tex]
Thus,
[tex]\[
\text{Var}(X) = \frac{(n+1)(n-1)}{12} = \frac{n^2 - 1}{12}
\][/tex]
Hence, the variance of [tex]\(X\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{\frac{n^2 - 1}{12}}
\][/tex]
