Suppose it is known that approximately 7 percent of adults who take a certain medication will experience side effects. Which of the following mulations could model the number of individuals who will experience side effects if the medication is given to 390 adults? (1 point)

a random number chart simulation with 100 numbers, where drawing a 23 indicates that side effects will be present

a coin simulation, with heads indicating that side effects will be present

a number cube simulation with a six-sided number cube, where rolling a 3 indicates that side effects will be present

a spinner simulation with 14 equally spaced sections, with section 2 indicating that side effects will be present

1 answer

To determine which simulation appropriately models the number of individuals who will experience side effects from the medication given that 7% of adults have side effects, we need to consider how each proposed simulation translates the probability of 7% into a random selection or event.

  1. Random number chart simulation with 100 numbers, where drawing a 23 indicates side effects will be present:

    • Since 7% of 100 is 7, a drawing of 23 would not work because only number 1 to 7 should indicate side effects. Thus, this option does not align with the probabilities.
  2. Coin simulation, with heads indicating that side effects will be present:

    • With a fair coin, the probability of heads is 50%, which does not correspond to the 7% side effect rate. So, this does not model the situation accurately.
  3. Number cube simulation with a six-sided number cube, where rolling a 3 indicates that side effects will be present:

    • This simulation has a probability of 1/6 (approximately 16.67%) for rolling a 3, which is higher than the 7% probability. Therefore, this does not accurately model the situation.
  4. Spinner simulation with 14 equally spaced sections, with section 2 indicating that side effects will be present:

    • If the spinner has 14 sections, then the probability of landing on section 2 is 1/14, which is approximately 7.14%. This is the closest to the required 7% probability and thus is the correct model.

Based on these evaluations, the best model for the number of individuals who will experience side effects is:

A spinner simulation with 14 equally spaced sections, with section 2 indicating that side effects will be present.