Content Area: Math

 

Index: 4.4B Grade 12 CPI 6

 

Standard: 4.4 - Data Analysis, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics

 

Strand: B - Probability

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 6 - The student will understand and use the “law of large numbers” (that experimental results tend to approach theoretical probabilities after a large number of trials).

 

Grade: 12

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        Students are given two dice, each a different color and roll them repeatedly. For each roll, they record the result for each individual die as well as the total. After a large number of rolls they compare their relative frequencies to the expected outcomes. Then they combine the totals for the entire class and compare the experimental results with the theoretical predictions.

 

·        Students are presented with a paper containing the following gambler's formula: When playing roulette, bet red. If red does not win, double the bet on red. Continue in this manner. They evaluate whether the formula makes sense, identify potential problems, and limitations, and discuss the fallacy that the odds improve for red to appear on the next roll every time red doesn't win.