Advanced Problem Solving Module 16

Advanced Problem Solving Module 16

This article examines how probability can often be viewed simply as counting the number of ways certain events can occur, before covering some summarising examples.

Worked Example: Counters in Bags 

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level
This worked example computes the number of ways we can move counters around in two bags to determine a probability of interest.

Teams 

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level
Two brothers belong to a club with 10 members. Four are selected for a match. Find the probability that both brothers are selected.

How Many Balls? 

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level
A bag contains red and blue balls. You are told the probabilities of drawing certain combinations of balls. Find how many red and how many blue balls there are in the bag.

Rain or Shine 

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level
Predict future weather using the probability that tomorrow is wet given today is wet and the probability that tomorrow is wet given that today is dry.

FA Cup 

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level
In four years 2001 to 2004 Arsenal have been drawn against Chelsea in the FA cup and have beaten Chelsea every time. What was the probability of this? Lots of fractions in the calculations!

Raffles and Strings 

Age 16 to 18
How much are you likely to win from a raffle? How many loops will you make with some strings? Here, two guided examples can be found for you to work through.