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)

Responses

14
Start Fraction 1 over 4 End Fraction

12
Start Fraction 1 over 2 End Fraction

25
Start Fraction 2 over 5 End Fraction

34

1 answer

Theoretical probability is based on the expected outcomes in a perfectly controlled scenario, while experimental probability is based on actual results observed during an experiment.

In the case of Pashmina flipping a double-sided coin, the theoretical probability of landing on heads is calculated based on the assumption that the coin is fair. For a fair coin, there are two equally likely outcomes: heads or tails. Therefore, the theoretical probability \( P \) of landing on heads is:

\[ P(\text{heads}) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of outcomes}} = \frac{1}{2} \]

So, the correct answer from the options given is:

Start Fraction 1 over 2 End Fraction (or \( \frac{1}{2} \))

The experimental probability in this case would be based on Pashmina's results from the 20 flips, which shows that it landed on heads 15 times. The experimental probability, calculated from the results, would be:

\[ P(\text{heads, experimental}) = \frac{15}{20} = \frac{3}{4} \]

In summary:

  • Theoretical Probability: \(\frac{1}{2}\)
  • Experimental Probability: \(\frac{3}{4}\) based on Pashmina's flips.