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. They to determine whether several given situations represent a geometric distribution.

     

    In the second problem, students will investigate the probability of the first 5 appearing on the fourth roll. Students will use the Random Integer command to simulate the geometric distribution.

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    They will combine their results with other classmates and calculate the experimental probability. Students will use a histogram to help calculate probabilities and form conclusions.

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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 5 appearing on the nth roll. Then students will graph the probabilities as a scatter plot and determine the regression equation. They will algebraically verify that the formula and the regression equation are the same.