Probability Simulations

by WINTER MARY J.

• ISBN13: 9781559534017
• ISBN10: 155953401X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-04-01
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

Graphing calculators are powerful tools for teaching and learning probability, allowing students to quickly run numerous trials in a simulation without the tedium of flipping a coin or rolling dice many times. Through calculator simulations, students more easily understand how the observed relative frequency for a large number of trials approaches the theoretical probability, and they begin to understand the variability in sampling. This book's 13 investigations begin with interesting scenarios and take students through simulations. Develop and reinforce the basic concepts of probability, enriching any mathematics curriculum or furthering ideas covered in standard textbooks. Any graphing calculator with a random-number generator can be used. Calculator programs can be entered manually, adapted to other calculators, or downloaded to the TI-82, TI-83, or Casio CFX 9970, 9870, or 9850 from the accompanying CD (Windows and MAcintosh). The book includes complete teacher notes, answers, and blackline masters.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Teaching a Probability Investigation	v
Quick-Start Examples	vi
Demonstrating Central Tendency	xv
Generating Random Numbers	xvi
Investigations
The Elevator	1	(8)
Target Practice	9	(10)
Car Games	19	(9)
Trivia Quiz	28	(9)
The Shoot-Out	37	(7)
Choosing a Captain	44	(8)
Red Stripes, Blue Stripes	52	(8)
Lie-Detector Test	60	(10)
Heads in a Row	70	(8)
Order of Play	78	(9)
The Guard and the Thief	87	(10)
Calculator Mix-up	97	(11)
Aliens	108	(11)
Appendix A Calculator Programs for TI-82 and TI-83 Graphing Calculators	119	(13)
Appendix B Calculator Programs for Casio Graphing Calculators	132