Combining probabilities

  • Knock-out
    problem
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    Knock-Out

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    Before a knockout tournament with 2^n players I pick two players. What is the probability that they have to play against each other at some point in the tournament?
  • At least one...
    problem
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    At Least One...

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Imagine flipping a coin a number of times. Can you work out the probability you will get a head on at least one of the flips?

  • The Better Choice
    problem
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    The Better Choice

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

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

  • Same Number!
    problem
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    Same Number!

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star

    If everyone in your class picked a number from 1 to 225, do you think any two people would pick the same number?

  • Snooker Frames
    problem
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    Snooker Frames

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    It is believed that weaker snooker players have a better chance of winning matches over eleven frames (i.e. first to win 6 frames) than they do over fifteen frames. Is this true?

  • Put Out
    problem
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    Put Out

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star

    After transferring balls back and forth between two bags the probability of selecting a green ball from bag 2 is 3/5. How many green balls were in bag 2 at the outset?

  • Chance Combinations
    problem

    Chance Combinations

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    Can you design a bingo board that gives you the best chance of winning?
  • How Risky \is my diet?
    problem

    How Risky Is My Diet?

    Age
    11 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    Newspapers said that eating a bacon sandwich every day raises the risk of bowel cancer by 20%. Should you be concerned?
  • Statins and Risk
    problem

    Statins and Risk

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    "Statins cut the risks of heart attacks and strokes by 40%"
    Should the Professor take statins? Can you help him decide?
  • Win or Lose?
    problem

    Win or Lose?

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    A gambler bets half the money in his pocket on the toss of a coin, winning an equal amount for a head and losing his money if the result is a tail. After 2n plays he has won exactly n times. Has he more money than he started with?