Probability

Activity 10: Give Me Five 57

10.Discuss with students:

How many total trials did you and your partner have?

Raise your hand if you had a 5-point toss. Raise your hand if you had a 0-point toss.

Which score on a single trial would you predict is more likely to occur, 0 or 5?

Out of the 50 trials, how many trials would you predict to be worth 5 points?

11.Record group data in the Coin-Toss Trials Small Group Data table provided.

To calculate the probability, use:

# of times event occurred / total # of trials

12.Add the probability column, and then discuss why the sum is 1.

13.Convert the probability fraction to decimal form using the > key. Record this in the decimal column of the Small Group Data table.

14.Ask students:

How do the probabilities between your group and other groups compare?

Does one outcome seem to be more probable than others?

Is one less probable?

15.Collect the class data and have students record it in the Class Data table.

16.Enter the class data into the TI-73 using lists. Use L1 for the points and L2 for the frequencies.

a.Display the List editor.

3

b.If necessary, clear L1.

$ to highlight L1

: b

Students should record probabilities as unsimplified fractions and also in simplest fractional form. Verify the total number of trials as 50 by adding the frequency column.

In the student pairs, have Student A call out frequencies for points on each roll while Student B keeps a running total of the frequencies either mentally or with the

TI-73.

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