Theoretical Probability

This Discussion will be based on a standard coin, an object you no doubt have lots of experience with. You will go beyond using this coin to purchase an item and look at how it can be used to demonstrate probability calculations. Choose a coin, any coin, to help you look at the chances of an event occurring and comparing probability types.

1. Determine the theoretical probability of flipping a head on a coin. Represent this probability as a fraction, decimal, and percent, and explain in words how you arrived at this probability.
2. Obtain a coin (it is not important what the denomination is). Flip this coin the number of times that is equal to your age in years (I am 32). Record the number of heads you obtain on the coin.
3. Use this data to determine the empirical probability of getting a head on the coin based on your experimental data. Represent this probability as fraction, decimal, and percent, and explain in words how you obtained these values.
4. Wereyourtwoprobabilityvaluesequal?Whydoyoufeelthishappened?