Probability SimulationsThe word simulate means to imitate or model. A probability simulation is the use of some method to model or represent a real experiment or situation.

Simulations can involve: •Calculators and computers to generate random numbers•Dice, coins, spinners, coloured counters etc•Random number tables

Example 1For families of 5 children, what is the probability that the girls outnumber the boys. Devise a simulation of this situation and use it to determine the probability is more than, less than, or equal to 0.5.

Solution:•Tossing a coin: head = boy, tail = girl

•Rolling a die: 1 – 3 = boy, 4 – 6 = girl

•Random numbers using calculator: 0 – 4 = boy, 5 – 9 = girl

•Deck of cards: red = boy, black = girl

Type of Bet Probability Payout from $1

Straight up (single number)

1 in 37 $36

Red/Black 18 in 37 $2

Low (1 – 18) manqueHigh (19 – 36)passe

18 in 37 $2

Odds(impair)/Evens (pair)

18 in 37 $2

Dozens (1 – 12, 13 – 24, 25 – 36)_

12 in 37 $3

Column 12 in 37 $3

Row 3 in 37 $12

Split (2 numbers) 2 in 37 $18

Corner (block of 4) 4 in 37 49

Six line (2 rows) 6 in 37 $6

Why is a zero added to the wheel?