A Research and Study Course for learning the concept of discrete randomvariable using Monte Carlo methods

Abstract

The concept of random variable is a mathematical construct that presents some theoretical complexity. However, learning this concept can be facilitated if it is presented as the end of a sequential process of modeling of a real event. More specifically, to learn the concept of discrete random variable, the Monte Carlo simulation can provide an extremely useful tool because in the process of modeling / simulation one can approach the theoretical concept of random variable, while the random variable is observed \in action". This paper presents a Research and Study Course (RSC) based on series of activities related to random variables such as training and introduction of simulation elements, then the construction of the model is presented, which is the substantial part of the activity, generating a random variable and its probability function. Starting from a simple situation related to reproduction and survival of the litter of a rodent, with random components, step by step, the model that represents the real raised situation is built obtaining an \original" random variable. In the intermediate stages of the construction of the model have a fundamental role the uniform discrete and binomial distributions. The trajectory of these stages allows reinforcing the concept of random variable while exploring the possibilities offered by Monte Carlo methods to simulate real cases and the simplicity of implementing these methods by means of the Matlab© programming language.

Keywords

• Variable aleatoria discreta
• modelización
• simulación
• métodos de Monte Carlo
• Microsoft ©
• Matlab©