MYP Mathematics – Probability Worksheet 2

PROBABILITY WORKSHEET 2 NAME: _______________

W.A.L.T. Find patterns in numbers and create formulae.
TASK: Find the formula for the probability of getting exactly n heads when
tossing n coins.
Remember: Use your homework books to brainstorm ideas and to do your initial
calculations / working out. Your final write-up will be on this sheet.
1 - Investigation: Complete the table below (for up to 4 coins).
Number of coins 1 2 3 4 n
H HH
T HT
TH
TT

Sample Space
(s)

n(s) 2
1
p( n heads )
2

2 - Find the Pattern / Formula: Complete the table below.

Number of coins 1 2 3 4 n
n(s) 2
Write n(s) in a
different way
1
p( n heads )
2
3 - Use your formula: Find the probability of getting exactly 10 heads when you
toss 10 coins.

______ ______
p( 10 heads ) = =

C de Koster - OFS - 2009