Re: Probability problem - couting number of distinct elements



rvelosoo@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
Hi all, i have the following problem: suppose we have a bag with N
balls with different colors. Randomly, i take one ball from the bag,
record the color, and put it back in the bag. Now, the question is:
after taking k balls from the bag, what's the expected number of
different colors i have seen? Any suggestion? Thanks! --Ricardo

Deal with it in cases. Find the probability if finding k different colors, k-1 different colors, k-2 different colors, etc.
--
Will Twentyman
email: wtwentyman at copper dot net
.




Relevant Pages

  • First "golf" in 7 years!
    ... totally missed the first couple of balls, ... Finally got to the dusty bag and clubs, ... Get Teed Off, Tote A Six-Iron, Shoot Birdies, ...
    (rec.sport.golf)
  • Re: OT: How to freeze the balls off a brass monkey
    ... >>> If we put a large number of balls in a big bag, ... >>> while trying to fill it to a maximum I think these balls would arrange ... > Both seem to based on a hexagonal pattern on a flat surface. ... > and the third layer can also only be placed in one way, and the fourth, ...
    (sci.electronics.design)
  • Re: Questionnaire
    ... A circus stuff carry case (for balls clubs etc), ... Used to but then I bought a bag, then I filled it up and bought another ... Everyone else uses the circus clubs or jacks other peoples' stuff. ...
    (rec.juggling)
  • Re: Speaking of dirty Rochester stockboys
    ... It's about 20% shirt and bad picture angle. ... Are you carrying three boxes of balls? ... in my bag, ...
    (rec.boats)
  • Re: OT: How to freeze the balls off a brass monkey
    ... >> If we put a large number of balls in a big bag, ... >> while trying to fill it to a maximum I think these balls would arrange ... Both seem to based on a hexagonal pattern on a flat surface. ... Some people seem to think that the second or third layer can be placed ...
    (sci.electronics.design)