Maths Puzzle - Probability of repeating event infinite times

Maths Puzzle - Probability of repeating event infinite times

Assessment

Interactive Video

Mathematics

9th - 10th Grade

Hard

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The video presents a probability puzzle asking for the probability of an event occurring at least once in n attempts, given the probability of the event is 1/n. The solution involves defining a variable X and calculating the probability as 1 minus the probability of the event not occurring in n attempts. The video further explores the limit of this probability as n approaches infinity, revealing a connection to the numerical constant e. The instructor demonstrates algebraic manipulation to show that the limit is 1 - 1/e, approximately 0.632, highlighting the surprising emergence of e in this context.

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7 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the main question posed in the probability puzzle?

What is the probability of an event occurring exactly n times?

What is the probability of an event occurring twice in n attempts?

What is the probability of an event occurring at least once in n attempts?

What is the probability of an event never occurring?

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How is the probability of an event occurring at least once in n attempts calculated?

By subtracting the probability of it not occurring at all from 1.

By adding the probability of it occurring in each attempt.

By dividing the probability of it occurring by n.

By multiplying the probability of it occurring in each attempt.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What happens to the probability of the event occurring at least once as n approaches infinity?

It approaches 0.

It becomes unpredictable.

It remains constant.

It approaches 1 minus 1 divided by e.

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What mathematical constant emerges in the probability puzzle as n approaches infinity?

Golden ratio

Euler's number (e)

Square root of 2

Pi

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the approximate value of 1 minus 1 divided by e?

0.632

0.5

0.9

0.75

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why was the narrator awestruck by the result of the probability puzzle?

Because it was a simple calculation.

Because it was a difficult puzzle.

Because the constant e appeared unexpectedly.

Because it was a common result.

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the significance of the constant e in mathematics?

It is the solution to a quadratic equation.

It is the base of the natural logarithm.

It is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.

It is the sum of an infinite series.