Theoretical probability

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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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Taking Chances Extended

This article, for students and teachers, is mainly about probability, the mathematical way of looking at random chance.
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The Random World

Think that a coin toss is 50-50 heads or tails? Read on to appreciate the ever-changing and random nature of the world in which we live.
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What Is a Random Variable, Really?

This article offers an advanced perspective on random variables for the interested reader.
$What \do \you \know \about Probability? (2)$

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What Do You Know About Probability? (2)

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

What are the likelihoods of different events when you roll a dice?
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Tools for Thinking About Probability

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

Can you design your own probability scale?
How do you describe the different parts?
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Genetics

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

A problem about genetics and the transmission of disease.
problem
Favourite

Knock-Out

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

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?
problem

Coin Tossing Games

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

You and I play a game involving successive throws of a fair coin. Suppose I pick HH and you pick TH. The coin is thrown repeatedly until we see either two heads in a row (I win) or a tail followed by a head (you win). What is the probability that you win?
problem

Win or Lose?

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

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?