Experimental Probability

Mathematics, Grade 8

Experimental Probability

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Experimental Probability

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Experimental Probability

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Study Guide Experimental Probability Mathematics, Grade 8

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EXPERIMENTAL PROBABILITY Experimental probability is the probability that a certain outcome will occur based on an experiment being performed multiple times. Experimental probability is calculated completely on the results of an experiment. Theoretical probability is the probability that a certain outcome will occur based on all the possible outcomes. Experimental probability is different from theoretical probability although sometimes the probabilities may be the same. When the experimental probability is taken into account, predictions can be made based on the experiment and the experimental probability. To find experimental probability, an experiment must be performed. In some cases, a survey may be taken as part of the experiment. The results of the experiment are then used to calculate the experimental probability. How to use experimental probability Experimental probability is the probability that a certain outcome will occur based on an experiment being performed multiple times. For example, Jeanie's class is doing an experiment about picking the numbers 1 -10. Jeanie picks the number 3. Her teacher picks a number 10 times and the numbers are 2, 1, 6, 9, 7, 6, 3, 7, 3, and 6. The probability of Jeanie's number, 3, being picked is 2/10 or 1/5. o Based on the experiment, the experimental probability is 1/5 or .2. o The theoretical probability of the number 3 being picked out of the numbers 1 - 10 is 1/10 or .1. o In this case, the experimental probability is greater than the theoretical probability. If Jeanie had picked the number 1 instead of the number 3, the experimental probability would be equal to the theoretical probability. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
When the experimental probability is taken into account, predictions can be made based on the experiment and the experimental probability. For example, if the spinner shown is spun 20 times and the results are shown, what letter should be predicted to appear the next time the spinner is spun? Results: A, D, C, B, D, C, B, A, D, C, C, C, B, D, A, C, B, C, C, A o Based on the experiment and the results, the letter C should be predicted to appear the next time the spinner is spun because the letter C had the highest experimental probability of 8/20 or .4. Surveys may also be taken as part of an experiment. The table shows the results of a survey of 80 people which asked their favorite color. Based on the table, what is the probability that the next person asked will answer that green is his or her favorite color? The table shows that 12 out of 80 people said green was their favorite color, so the probability would be 12/80 or .15. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
Try This! 1. Ruth's class did an experiment where a die was rolled 8 times. Ruth picked the number 4. The results were 2, 1, 6, 1, 6, 3, 5, and 2. What was the experimental probability of Ruth getting a 4? 2. Was the experimental probability of Ruth getting a 4 greater than, less than or equal to the theoretical probability? 3. If a die is rolled twelve times and the results are 6, 2, 5, 6, 1, 2, 4, 3, 6, 4, 1, 6, what number should be predicted to appear the next time the die is rolled? 4. The table shows the result of a survey that asked 50 people how many cars they own. Based on the table, what is the probability that the next person asked would own 3 cars? © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.