Geometric Probability
MATERIALS:
Square Box
100 Clear Bingo Chips
Paper (Cut to fit the bottom of the box)
String
Rulers (Or any straight edge)
Cup
INSTRUCTIONS:
TRIANGLE
1. Draw a dot on one edge of the square paper.
2. Using teh straight edge, draw a line from the dot to one of the
vertices on the edge of the square opposite the dot.
3. Repeat step 2 for the other vertex. ( A triangle is formed)
4. Place the paper in the bottom of the box.
5. Place the bingo chips in the cup and "dump" them into m box.
Try to drop them over the middle of the box. You are trying to drop the
chips so that they distribute evenly about the box. Practice a few times
to establish your technique.
6. Begin the trials. Drop the chips into the box. Count how many
chips are in the triangle and how many are outside the triangle.
Record the results.
7. Repeat step 6 four more times. You should have a total of 5 trials.
8. Complete the data sheet.
QUARTER CIRCLE
9. Measure out a length of string equal to a side of the square paper.
10. Hold one end of the string in a corner of the square. Hold a
pencil at the other end. Draw an arc from one corner of the
square to another. (A Quarter Circle is formed).
11. Now, repeat steps 4 - 8.
12. When you have gathered all our group's data, report your totals to
the teacher for the class results.
13. Be sure to answer the connection questions and complete the
discussion section.
CONNECTIONS QUESTIONS:
1. Why do the chips have to be evenly distributed in the box?
2. Give reasons for performing five trials. Is this a good number?
3. Compare your results to the class results. Explain differences and
similarities.
4. For the triangle, the ratio of chips in to total of chips should be 1/2.
How
close is your ratio to 1/2? Why is the ratio 1/2?
5. What is the ratio for the quarter circle? Why?
Activitiy Data:
Discussion: