Theoretical Probability
Section 9-3
| Activity Name | Activity Description |
|---|---|
| Crazy Choices Game | Students represent simple chance games as theoretical probabilities by entering data on 'winning' and total outcomes. Students can then simulate a number of trial runs to generate empirical data and probabilities for comparison with theoretical values. |
| Spinner | Students can adjust the number of sectors on a game spinner drawn by the applet, and then compare theoretical probabilities, calculated from percentage of spinner area, against empirical probabilities, calculated as a percentage of trial 'spins' initiated by the student. |
| Adjustable Spinner | Students can adjust the number of sectors as well as the percentage covered by each sector to create a game spinner drawn by the applet. Students can then compare theoretical probabilities, calculated from percentage of spinner area, against empirical probabilities, calculated as a percentage of trial 'spins' initiated by the student. |
| Dice Table | Students input a set of 'winning' conditions for multiple players in a dice rolling game. The applet charts the possible outcomes on a two dimensional chart. Students then determine the theoretical probability of winning for a given player as a ratio, reduced fraction, converted decimal and percent chance. |
| Two Colors Applet | The applet provides a conditional probability experiment whereby three boxes are pre-arranged to contain three possible combinations of colored marbles: two green, two red, and one red/one green. Students can run individual and multiple trials of drawing single marbles from a randomly chosen box. The applet accumulates trial results, providing experimental data for discussion of conditional theoretical probability. |
| Marbles | Students input conditions representing a sequence of trials whereby colored marbles are randomly drawn from a bag. The applet accumulates data on the outcomes of each trial simulation, providing theoretical and experimental probabilities for direct comparison. |
| Stock Exchange | Students input winning probabilities and payoffs for two 'players', and can simulate a number of random payoff games. The applet compiles statistics on total and average payoff from the cumulative games. The applet also verifies student guesses as to the expected value of each system. |
