Question

I do not know how to figure out his next shot. A basketball player has made 34 of her last 42 freethrow
attempts. What probability would you assign to the player’s next free throw being successful? Explain
your reasoning.

34/42 = 17/21 I would assume that that the basketball player would make a basket 81% of the time. I am just guessing. Is this right?

Answer 1

That is what I would assume also, lacking further information.

If 17/21 is better or less than her longer-term average, I would go with the longer-term average.

81% is a "hot streak" for most players.

Answer 2

The next free throw is like flipping another coin, the probability of getting heads is 1/2 regardless of previous results. The probability of making the next free throw is 1/2. They are both, basket and coin, independent events.

Answer 3

17/20 as a percent is 85% so you guys are both wrong dumbies!