article
Playing squash
Playing squash involves lots of mathematics. This article explores
the mathematics of a squash match and how a knowledge of
probability could influence the choices you make.
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problem
Voting paradox
14 to 18
Some relationships are transitive, such as `if A>B and B>C
then it follows that A>C', but some are not. In a voting system,
if A beats B and B beats C should we expect A to beat C?
problem
Succession in Randomia
16 to 18
By tossing a coin one of three princes is chosen to be the next King of Randomia. Does each prince have an equal chance of taking the throne?
problem
Scratch cards
14 to 16
To win on a scratch card you have to uncover three numbers that add
up to more than fifteen. What is the probability of winning a
prize?
problem
Tying the rope
14 to 16
What is the probability that two pieces of rope are tied together, when Pat ties two loose ends together?
problem
Bet you a million
14 to 16
Heads or Tails - the prize doubles until you win it. How much would
you pay to play?
problem
Thank your lucky stars
14 to 16
A counter is placed in the bottom right hand corner of a grid. You
toss a coin and move the star according to the following rules: ...
What is the probability that you end up in the top left-hand corner
of the grid?
problem
How confident are you?
11 to 16
What proportion of people make 90% confident guesses which actually contain the correct answer?
problem
Heavy hydrocarbons
14 to 18
Explore the distribution of molecular masses for various hydrocarbons