What's The Probability?

• Introduction

When most of us hear the word probability, the first thought that comes to mind is gambling. Yet, probability is a part of our everyday life whether we realize it or not.  Probability comes into our everyday decision making.  For example, the weatherman offers us our daily dose of probability when he states, " There is a 95% chance of rain this afternoon".  After hearing the weatherman's prediction for rain, we make what we feel is the appropriate decision about the upcoming afternoon rain.    Probability is a part of our everyday life.

• The Task

In this WebQuest you will begin an introduction to probability; in which you will explore and become familiar with the basic ideas behind probability.  You will examine the vocabulary common to probability  and be able to use the vocabulary appropriately.  After you become an expert on probability, you will then write a letter to your cousin who has asked you for help solving a problem involving 8 sided dice. 

• The Process

In order for you to gain the background knowledge and vocabulary necessary to write your cousin a letter solving his problem with the 8 sided dice you will need to:

1. Begin by gaining some background information from the Probability resources.

2. As you gain background information and vocabulary try the interactive questions that some of the lessons have to offer.  Don't be afraid to take notes as needed.

3. If you need to review the process of changing a fraction to a decimal and a decimal to a percent; check out the Percent and Probability link.

• Completing the Task

You have learned a lot by completing your research using the Probability resources.  Now, you will need to write a letter to your cousin using the vocabulary of probability to answer his questions about the 8 sided dice.  Your cousin has asked for your help answering the following questions:

1. How many different combinations of numbers are possible and what are the different combinations?  How can I create a table that explains the different combinations?

2. How can I create a tally chart that shows the probability of each total appearing as the dice are rolled?

3. What is the probability in percent of each total appearing?

4. If a pair of eight-sided dice are rolled 50 times and the total of the sides on top are tallied after each roll what total should I predict will appear most often?

• Conclusion

Now that you have concluded your introduction to probability by using the Probability resources, you have gained experience and knowledge.  You know a lot more and have new ideas.  Nice Work!  You should be proud of yourselves!  Remember learning never stops.

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