(Part(a))
(Part(a))
 
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<math> P(B) = p + p(1-p)^4 + p(1-p)^8 + \dots + p(1-p)^{4(n-1)} </math>
 
<math> P(B) = p + p(1-p)^4 + p(1-p)^8 + \dots + p(1-p)^{4(n-1)} </math>
 +
  
 
Recall geometric series:
 
Recall geometric series:
  
<math> \sum_{\imath=0}^{\infty} x^{\imath}= \frac{1}{1-x}</math>
 
  
for |x| < 1
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<math> \sum_{\imath=0}^{\infty} x^{\imath}= \frac{1}{1-x}</math>  for |x| < 1
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 +
 
 +
<math> P(B) = p\sum_{\imath=0}^{\infty} (1-p)^{4\imath} = \frac{p}{1-(1-p)} </math>
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Repeat this for Carol, Ted, and Alice to show that the order of your toss affects your probability of winning.

Latest revision as of 16:09, 9 September 2008

Part(a)

     Show that P(B) > P(C) > P(T) > P(A):

- P(H) = p , 0 < p < 1

$ P(B) = p + p(1-p)^4 + p(1-p)^8 + \dots + p(1-p)^{4(n-1)} $


Recall geometric series:


$ \sum_{\imath=0}^{\infty} x^{\imath}= \frac{1}{1-x} $ for |x| < 1


$ P(B) = p\sum_{\imath=0}^{\infty} (1-p)^{4\imath} = \frac{p}{1-(1-p)} $


Repeat this for Carol, Ted, and Alice to show that the order of your toss affects your probability of winning.

Alumni Liaison

Basic linear algebra uncovers and clarifies very important geometry and algebra.

Dr. Paul Garrett