Free CAS MAS-I (Modern Actuarial Statistics I) Probability Models Practice Questions
Practice probability models for CAS MAS-I. Questions cover parametric distributions, severity and frequency models, mixture distributions, and maximum likelihood estimation for actuarial loss data.
Sample Questions
Question 1
Easy
A 3-out-of-50 system is placed in series with a 48-out-of-50 system.
Calculate the number of minimal path sets.
Calculate the number of minimal path sets.
Solution
For a k-out-of-n system, a minimal path set consists of exactly k components. For the series combination of a 3-out-of-50 and 48-out-of-50 system, a minimal path set must contain a path set from each subsystem.
The 3-out-of-50 system has minimal path sets. The 48-out-of-50 system has minimal path sets.
For the series system, each minimal path set is the union of one from each. However, components may overlap. But since these are separate systems with separate components (100 components total), the number of minimal path sets is .
Choice A is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 20,000.
Choice B is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 100,000.
Choice C is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 2,000,000.
Choice D is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 20,000,000.
The 3-out-of-50 system has minimal path sets. The 48-out-of-50 system has minimal path sets.
For the series system, each minimal path set is the union of one from each. However, components may overlap. But since these are separate systems with separate components (100 components total), the number of minimal path sets is .
Choice A is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 20,000.
Choice B is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 100,000.
Choice C is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 2,000,000.
Choice D is incorrect because 24,010,000 is not fewer than 20,000,000.
Question 2
Medium
Losses follow a memoryless distribution with mean 1,000. Each loss is insured and subject to a deductible of 500.
Calculate the average insurance payment made on losses that exceed the deductible.
Calculate the average insurance payment made on losses that exceed the deductible.
Solution
A memoryless distribution is exponential. by the memoryless property, given that a loss exceeds the deductible of 500, the expected payment is the mean of the distribution, which is 1,000. So the average insurance payment is 1,000.
Choice A is incorrect because it understates the payment; the memoryless property means the expected excess is the full mean.
Choice B is incorrect because 500-700 is too low; the memoryless property gives exactly 1,000.
Choice C is incorrect because 700-900 is too low; the expected excess loss equals the mean.
Choice E is incorrect because the expected payment is exactly 1,000, not 1,100 or more.
Choice A is incorrect because it understates the payment; the memoryless property means the expected excess is the full mean.
Choice B is incorrect because 500-700 is too low; the memoryless property gives exactly 1,000.
Choice C is incorrect because 700-900 is too low; the expected excess loss equals the mean.
Choice E is incorrect because the expected payment is exactly 1,000, not 1,100 or more.
Question 3
Hard
You are given the following information about a parallel system with two components:
- The first component has a lifetime that is uniform on
- The second component has a lifetime that is exponential with mean of 2
Determine which of the following is an expression for the expected lifetime of the system.
- The first component has a lifetime that is uniform on
- The second component has a lifetime that is exponential with mean of 2
Determine which of the following is an expression for the expected lifetime of the system.
Solution
For a parallel system, the system lifetime is .
The expected lifetime is:
Here for (0 otherwise), and .
But this matches choice E if the last integral's upper limit were 1. Looking at choice ((C)):
Rewriting: . Note .
Substituting gives the same result as the inclusion-exclusion formula. Choice ((C)) is the correct expression.
Choice B is incorrect because it uses an improper integrand beyond .
Choice
(A) is incorrect because it represents rather than .
Choice D is incorrect because the last integral should have upper limit 1, not .
Choice C is incorrect because the last integral extends beyond its support .
The expected lifetime is:
Here for (0 otherwise), and .
But this matches choice E if the last integral's upper limit were 1. Looking at choice ((C)):
Rewriting: . Note .
Substituting gives the same result as the inclusion-exclusion formula. Choice ((C)) is the correct expression.
Choice B is incorrect because it uses an improper integrand beyond .
Choice
(A) is incorrect because it represents rather than .
Choice D is incorrect because the last integral should have upper limit 1, not .
Choice C is incorrect because the last integral extends beyond its support .
More MAS-I Topics
About FreeFellow
FreeFellow is a free exam prep platform for actuarial (SOA & CAS), CFA, CFP, CPA, CAIA, and securities licensing candidates. Every question includes a detailed solution. Full lessons, flashcards with spaced repetition, timed mock exams, performance analytics, and a personalized study plan are all included — no paywalls, no ads.