Education Technology


Geometric Distributions

Activity Overview

Students simulate a geometric distribution of rolling a die to determine experimental probabilities and calculate theoretical probabilities.

Key Steps

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    Problem 1 introduces students to the geometric distribution. There are several self-check questions to test students understanding.

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    In this problem, students will investigate the probability of the first 6 appearing on the fourth roll. Students will use the Random Integer command to simulate the geometric distribution. They will combine their results with 3 classmates and calculate the experimental probability.

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    In Problem 3, students will explore the theoretical probabilities of a geometric distribution using the Geometric Pdf command. They will then derive the formula for calculating the probability of the first 6 appearing on the nth roll. Then students will graph the probabilities as a scatter plot and display the regression equation. They will algebraically verify that the formula and the regression equation are the same.