Math Problem Statement

You roll a fair three-sided die. The possible outcomes are {R, S, P}. Find the probability distribution of the outcomes. (Comment: there are fancy shaped three-sided dice you can find. The easiest way to make one is probably take a six-sided die and label two sides with one value, two other sides another value, and the remaining two sides yet another value. Or you can use a spin wheel and divide the wheel into three equal sectors.)

Enter answers as fractions, like 201/202.

a) Pr(R) = 

b) Pr(S) = 

c) Pr(P) = 

Solution

A three-sided die is described as fair, meaning each outcome is equally likely. Thus, each outcome R,S,PR, S, P has the same probability.

The total number of outcomes is 33 (one for each of R,S,PR, S, P), and each outcome has an equal likelihood:

Pr(outcome)=1total outcomes=13.\text{Pr(outcome)} = \frac{1}{\text{total outcomes}} = \frac{1}{3}.

Probability distribution:

a) Pr(R)=13\text{Pr}(R) = \frac{1}{3}
b) Pr(S)=13\text{Pr}(S) = \frac{1}{3}
c) Pr(P)=13\text{Pr}(P) = \frac{1}{3}

Would you like me to explain further or provide a visualization of the probabilities?


Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What is the sum of probabilities for all outcomes in any probability distribution?
  2. If the die were unfair, how would the probabilities of R,S,PR, S, P change?
  3. How would the probabilities change if there were 4 equally likely outcomes instead of 3?
  4. What is the probability of rolling RR or SS on this die?
  5. How would you simulate rolling a fair three-sided die using a standard six-sided die?

Tip: Always verify that the total probability sums up to 11, ensuring your distribution is valid.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Probability Distribution

Formulas

Pr(outcome) = 1 / total outcomes

Theorems

Uniform Probability Distribution Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8