Beta and Triangular distributiona

 Hi,

 

Please describe Beta and triangular distribution in detail, alongwith the formulae.how they are realted to PERT.

Duration of an activity has the following estimates: Optimistic – 3 days; Most Likely – 5 days; Pessimistic – 13 days. The time estimate for that activity based on the triangular distribution is

Choose one answer.answer is A...i marked C

a. 7 days Correct

 

b. 5 days Incorrect

 

c. 6 days Incorrect

 

 

d. 3 days Incorrect

 

 

 

Well I am also very confused with Beta and Triangular distribuition and all I know is they are probability distribution and related to Perform Quantitative Analysis.

A detailed explaination is given here

http://www.deepfriedbrainproject.com/2010/07/probability-and-statistics-...

I have read it a couple of times but it doesnt seem to get in my head.

All I know is the formula for expected duration (Mean) for Triagular distribution is P+M+O/3 , this will give you

 13+5+3/3 = 7.

The formula for Variance for Triangular distribution =  [(O-P)^2 + (M-P) * (M-O)]/18.  ( I dont plan to remember this formula as I dont think it will be ever asked in the real exam, has anyone encountered it?)

Formula for Beta Distribution is same like PERT:

Mean = P+4M+O/6

Standard Deviation = P-O/6

and 

Variance = SD square

 

Note: P = Pessimistic, O - Optimistic and M - Most Likely.