Math Problem Statement

If you toss a coin, you will get a head or a tail. Copy and complete the geometric model to show all possible results of three consecutive tosses. a. How many sequences of results are possible? b. How many sequences have exactly one tail? c. Assuming a head or a tail is equally likely, what is the probability of getting exactly one tail in three tosses?

Solution

Let's break down the questions based on the image you provided.

  1. How many sequences of results are possible?
    For each toss of the coin, there are 2 possible outcomes: heads (H) or tails (T). For 3 consecutive tosses, the total number of possible sequences is calculated as: 23=82^3 = 8 The possible sequences are:

    • HHH, HHT, HTH, HTT, THH, THT, TTH, TTT.
  2. How many sequences have exactly one tail?
    To have exactly one tail, the tail can appear in any of the three positions (first, second, or third). The possible sequences with exactly one tail are:

    • HTT, THT, THH.
      So, there are 3 sequences with exactly one tail.
  3. What is the probability of getting exactly one tail in three tosses?
    The probability is the ratio of favorable outcomes to total outcomes. There are 3 favorable outcomes (as calculated above), and 8 total outcomes: Probability=38\text{Probability} = \frac{3}{8}

Would you like further details or have any questions on these calculations?

Related Questions:

  1. How many sequences have no tails?
  2. How many sequences have at least two heads?
  3. What is the probability of getting at least one tail in three tosses?
  4. How many sequences have exactly two heads?
  5. What is the probability of getting no tails in three tosses?

Tip: When calculating probabilities, always count the number of favorable outcomes relative to the total number of possible outcomes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Combinatorics

Formulas

Total outcomes for n tosses: 2^n
Probability = (Number of favorable outcomes) / (Total number of outcomes)

Theorems

Basic principles of probability

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8