Education Technology


NUMB3RS - Season 3 - "Longshot" - The Odds-On Favorite

Activity Overview

In this episode, Don brings Charlie a notebook that was found on the body. It contains horse racing data and equations. Charlie determines that the equations were designed to pick the SECOND place winner, not first place. Parts of these equations use the "logit" function, a specific probability function that uses logarithms and odds ratios. Because the logit function can get pretty complicated, this activity lays its foundations, namely the relationship between probability, odds, and odds ratios.

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the Teacher Page.

During the Activity

Discuss the materials from the Student Page with your class.

After the Activity

Encourage students to explore web sites and questions from the Extensions Page.