Probability: Age 14-16

This is part of our Secondary Curriculum collection of favourite rich tasks arranged by topic.

Scroll down to see the complete collection, or explore our subcollections on Perimeter and Area in two dimensions, and Surface Area and Volume in three dimensions.

problem

Who's the winner?

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

When two closely matched teams play each other, what is the most likely result?

problem

Chances are

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Which of these games would you play to give yourself the best possible chance of winning a prize?

problem

The better choice

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Here are two games you can play. Which offers the better chance of winning?

problem

Which spinners?

Age

14 to 18

Challenge level

Can you work out which spinners were used to generate the frequency charts?

problem

Last one standing

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Imagine a room full of people who keep flipping coins until they get a tail. Will anyone get six heads in a row?

problem

Odds and evens made fair

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

In this follow-up to the problem Odds and Evens, we invite you to analyse a probability situation in order to find the general solution for a fair game.

problem

In a box

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Chris and Jo put two red and four blue ribbons in a box. They each pick a ribbon from the box without looking. Jo wins if the two ribbons are the same colour. Is the game fair?