TED-ED: The coin flip conundrum - Po-Shen Loh

The video explores a hypothetical coin flip contest between the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, to determine who would fly their airplane first. It delves into the probability of different coin flip outcomes, specifically comparing the heads/tails and heads/heads scenarios. The video explains how Wilbur has an advantage due to the probability calculations, which show that heads/tails takes fewer flips on average than heads/heads. The video concludes with a historical note that, despite Wilbur winning the coin flip, Orville made aviation history.

What was the initial method used by the Wright brothers to decide who would fly first?

• Flipping a coin

• Rock-paper-scissors

• Playing a card game

• Drawing straws

In the more complex coin flip contest, what sequence allows Orville to win?

• Two consecutive heads

• A tail followed by a head

• A head followed by a tail

• Two consecutive tails

Why does Wilbur have an advantage in the coin flip contest?

• He starts with a head

• His sequence is shorter

• He flips the coin faster

• He has a special coin

What is the average number of flips needed for Wilbur's winning sequence?

• Six flips

• Five flips

• Four flips

• Three flips

What historical outcome followed the Wright brothers' coin flip?

• Both flights succeeded

• Wilbur's flight failed

• Orville's flight failed

• Wilbur's flight succeeded