probability - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

sstennes · 05-13-2003, 12:22 PM

My 5th grader thought this was extremely thought provoking.

If 20 people put there hats into a bag, close their eyes and each take out one hat. What is the probability that exactly 19 of them will get their own hat back?

scroll down for answer

wait for it...

The probability that exactly 19 will get thier own hat is zero. Because if 19 get theri own then the 20th would get his/her own as well.

Halx · 05-13-2003, 01:07 PM

so how about presenting the kid with a more difficult problem? Stretch the young mind to it's limits, he/she is obviously very interested in math if they consider that thought-provoking.

I remember taking math that was 2 grades higher than my class when I was that young... i loved it.

05-13-2003, 12:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
sstennes Upright	probability My 5th grader thought this was extremely thought provoking. If 20 people put there hats into a bag, close their eyes and each take out one hat. What is the probability that exactly 19 of them will get their own hat back? scroll down for answer wait for it... The probability that exactly 19 will get thier own hat is zero. Because if 19 get theri own then the 20th would get his/her own as well.

05-13-2003, 01:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	so how about presenting the kid with a more difficult problem? Stretch the young mind to it's limits, he/she is obviously very interested in math if they consider that thought-provoking. I remember taking math that was 2 grades higher than my class when I was that young... i loved it. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]