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Re: poisson distribution vs binomial distribution
Posted:
Feb 1, 2001 5:30 PM
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In article <3a79d48f@news.swissonline.ch>,
"Nicolas Dickreuter" <FAKEdickreuter@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Am I right in thinking that the poisson distribution is nothing more
than an
> approximation to the binomial (or hypergeometric distribution)? Or is
there
> a specific case where the poisson distribution is the only way to
solve a
> probability?
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> --
> If you reply via email please remove the 'fake' from my mailaddress.
> regards
> Nicolas
>
>
Binomial: fixed number of trials n, each with positive probability p
of success.
Poisson: infinite number of trials, each with same but infinitely small
probability of success.
Poisson is the limit of binomial as n goes to infinity, p goes to zero,
and p*n remains constant.
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