Math Problem Statement
in the game of roulette, a player can place a $8 bet on the number 6 and have a 1/38 probability of winning. if the metal ball lands on 6, the player gets to keep the $8 paid to play the game and the player is awarded an additional $280. otherwise, the player is awarded nothing and the casino takes the player’s $8. what is the expected value of the game to the player? if you played the game 1000 times, how much would you expect to lose?
Solution
To find the expected value of the game to the player, we'll analyze the outcomes, their probabilities, and the associated payoffs. Here's the step-by-step solution:
Step 1: Define the Payoffs and Probabilities
- Probability of winning (landing on 6):
- Probability of losing (not landing on 6):
- Payoff if the player wins: The player keeps the $8 bet and wins an additional $280, for a total of:
- Payoff if the player loses: The player loses their $8 bet, so:
Step 2: Calculate the Expected Value (EV)
The expected value is calculated using the formula:
Substitute the values:
Step 3: Compute the Expected Value
Now, calculate each part:
- Calculate the expected gain when winning:
- Calculate the expected loss when losing:
Step 4: Combine the Results
The expected value of the game to the player is approximately , meaning the player is expected to lose about 21 cents per game.
Step 5: Calculate Expected Loss for 1000 Games
If the player plays 1000 times, the expected total loss can be found by multiplying the expected value by the number of games:
So, if the player played this game 1000 times, they would expect to lose $210 on average.
Would you like more details or have any questions about this calculation?
Here are 5 related questions that could deepen understanding:
- What is the variance of the player's earnings in this game?
- How does the house edge affect the expected value for different types of bets in roulette?
- What would be the expected value if the payout for winning was changed to $300?
- How would the expected value change if the game were played with a European roulette wheel (1/37 probability of winning)?
- Can the expected value ever become positive for the player in standard roulette games?
Tip: Understanding expected value is crucial for evaluating whether a game is fair or skewed in favor of the house. It can help make more informed decisions in probabilistic scenarios.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Probability
Expected Value
Statistics
Formulas
Expected Value (EV) = (Probability of winning × Payoff when winning) + (Probability of losing × Payoff when losing)
Theorems
Law of Large Numbers
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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