INTRODUCTION:
MATERIALS:
6 pennies
Cup
Ruler
graph paper
PROCEDURE:
1. You will be "flipping" 1 through 6 pennies 25 times for each group. Start with one penny and shake it in the cup, then pour it on the table. Count the total number of heads in 25 tosses. Record the total number of heads on the DATA TABLE.
2. Now repeat step 1 with two pennies, then 3, ect. until you have done six pennies 25 tosses. Record the total number of heads for each group on the DATA TABLE.
DATA TABLE: | |
NUMBER OF PENNIES (x) |
NUMBER OF HEADS PER 25 TOSSES (y) |
---|---|
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
|
4 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
GRAPHING:
3. On graph paper, plot your 6 sets of data points. The number of pennies per group will be the horizontal or "x" axis. Number it out to 8 pennies, even though you only used 6. The number of heads tossed per group will be the vertical or "y" axis. Try to use as much of the graph as possible.
4. Now, using a ruler, draw the best line of fit for your data points. Review the introduction so you are sure you know how to do this properly. Remember, for this graph x=0, y=0 is a point that your line will go through. Because if you tossed no pennies, you would get no heads. Be sure to extend the line past where x=8.
CALCULATIONS:
5. According to your graph, how many heads would there have been for 8 pennies tossed 25 times? Simply find where your line crosses the x=8 line, then go over to the "y" axis to find the value.
According to the graph, 8 pennies thrown 25 times = _______ heads.
6. Now calculate the mathematical value for 8 pennies thrown 25 times. The probability of a head being tossed with a penny, is 50%. REMEMBER: Percent must be converted to decimal form for multiplication.
The formula would then be:
Theoretical number of heads for 8 pennies thrown 25 times. = _______ heads
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