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I have the following problem where, given $X_n$ is a random variable that equals the number of tails minus the number of heads when n fair coins are flipped, what is the expected value of $X_n$?

I am having a difficulty getting started on this problem. Could someone offer a suggestion as to how this problem should be modeled?

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2 Answers 2

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We can start and finish by saying that by symmetry the expected number is $0$.

Or let $X$ be the number of tails. So $n-X$ is the number of heads. Thus tails minus heads is $2X-n$. This has mean $2E(X)-n$, which is $0$. This second argument will also give the answer for a coin that is biased, having probability $p$ of tails. Then the expected value of the difference is $2pn-n$.

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The key is linearity of expectation, and I suggest finding a way to write $X_n$ as a sum of simple 'indicators' corresponding to individual coin flips. So you would be thinking, "if I see a heads, then value to add is __.... and tails ......"

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