Differentiate between experimental and theoretical probability in the following question. Pashmina flips a double-sided coin 20 times, and it lands on heads 15 times. What is the theoretical probability that it will land on heads? (1 point)

Question

ㅇ1/4
02/5
1/2
3/4

Answer 1

To differentiate between experimental and theoretical probability:

• Experimental Probability is determined by conducting an experiment and observing the outcomes. In this case, Pashmina flipped a double-sided coin 20 times and observed that it landed on heads 15 times. The experimental probability of landing on heads would be calculated as the number of times heads occurred divided by the total number of flips:
  \[ \text{Experimental Probability (Heads)} = \frac{15 \text{ (heads)}}{20 \text{ (total flips)}} = \frac{15}{20} = \frac{3}{4} \]

• Theoretical Probability is based on the expected outcomes in an ideal scenario, assuming all outcomes are equally likely. For a double-sided coin, there are 2 sides: heads and tails. Thus, the theoretical probability of landing on heads is:
  \[ \text{Theoretical Probability (Heads)} = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes (Heads)}}{\text{Total outcomes}} = \frac{1}{2} \]

Given the options provided for the theoretical probability of landing on heads, the correct answer is 1/2.