midProbability
What is the exponential distribution?
Updated May 17, 2026
Short answer
The exponential distribution models time between events in a Poisson process.
Deep explanation
It describes waiting times between independent events occurring at a constant rate λ. It is continuous and also has the memoryless property, making it widely used in survival analysis and queueing theory.
Real-world example
Time between customer arrivals at a service counter.
Common mistakes
- Confusing exponential distribution with normal distribution.
Follow-up questions
- What is lambda in exponential distribution?
- What is relation to Poisson distribution?