The previous section discussed calculating descriptive statistics using "ex post" (historical) data. This method is effective for describing past events. In addition, you can use historical results to characterize future events that is, If you can reasonably assume that future events will resemble past events. However, if a reliable probability distribution is available, you can calculate expected descriptive statistics (also called "ex ante statistics). The probability distribution describes all the possible outcomes a variable can assume. Using probability data, you can calculate the expected mean, variance, and standard deviation using the following formulas: op/x-) A probability distribution for five possible market condition is shown below, along with the expected demand in each state. Calculate the expected value (mean) and standard deviation of demand. Market condition Terrible Probability Demand (Thousands of units) 54 20% 15 5 Poor Average Good 50% 30 20% 50 Excellent 5% 75 A probability distribution for five possible market conditions is shown below, along with the expected demand in each state. Calculate the expected value (mean) and standard deviation of demand. 5% Poor 15 Market condition Probability Demand (Thousands of units) Terrible 20% Average 30 Good Excellent 50% 20% SO 5% 75 If you ignored the probability weights and assumed the market conditions were equally probable, the mean demand would be 35,000 units and the standard deviation would be 25,100 units. Using the probability weights, calculate the following statistics: Expected mean - Standard deviation