Most binomial probability calculations required in these exercises can be done by using Table C or the Normal approximation. Your instructor may request that you use the binomial probability formula or software. In exercises requiring the Normal approximation, you should use the continuity correction if you studied that topic.

Question 5.19

5.19 What is wrong?

Explain what is wrong in each of the following scenarios.

  1. If you toss a fair coin four times and a head appears each time, then the next toss is more likely to be a tail than a head.
  2. If you toss a fair coin four times and observe the pattern HTHT, then the next toss is more likely to be ahead than a tail.
  3. The quantity is one of the parameters for a binomial distribution.
  4. The binomial distribution can be used to model the daily number of pedestrian/cyclist near-crash events on campus.

5.19

(a) Each flip is independent, and prior tosses have no impact on the outcome of a new toss. (b) Each flip is independent, and prior tosses have no impact on the outcome of a new toss. (c) is a parameter for the binomial, not . (d) There is no fixed number of trials .