Extension Questions: Flipping a Coin

Probability Prediction Time

What is the chance of each of the following happening? Imagine the coin was
flipped 50 times, what would be the chance out of 20 if this theoretical
probability prediction were to remain the same.

Result of the Flip Probability Percentage

Heads

Tails

The Test
Now let’s test it. Your job will be to flip the coin 50 times and record how many
times each face is shown. To do this you will want to make a tally table. Keep
careful track of how many flips you have done.

Heads

Tails

Comparing Theory with Reality

Now it’s time to actually compare how theory and reality matched up. Write your
results in percent form. Round to the nearest whole percent.

Result of the Flip Probability out of 100 Actual Amount Out of 100

Heads

Tails
Critical Thinking

1) How did your actual flips compare to your theoretical probability

prediction?

2) Were your actual flips of the coin closer to the theoretical probability
prediction than your rolls? If so, why do you think that is?