If a coin is tossed in the air 100 times, what is the probability that it will land tails up on the 40th toss?
2007-08-14 04:53:36 · 9 answers · asked by Celris 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
The probability is 1/2.
These tosses are all INDEPENDENT events, and it simply doesn't matter HOW MANY other times you toss it, the odds of it coming down tails on any single toss is always 1/2.
Of course, that assumes that you have a perfect penny with no bias built into it that might favour one side over the other.
Live long and prosper.
2007-08-14 04:56:46 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Spock 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
1 in 2
2016-05-17 10:38:52 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Approximately 50%, or one half. The orientations on which it lands during the first 39 tosses or the last 60 tosses do not affect the chances of any particular outcome on the 40th toss, and most coins have about a 50% chance of landing on either side.
2007-08-14 04:58:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a 50% chance that tails will come up with every toss. Even if tails has come up 50 times in a row. The coin has no memory or concept of probability.
2007-08-14 04:56:50 · answer #4 · answered by Peter D 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
assuming a fair coin it is 50%.
Think about it. Does the out come of any of the first 39 tosses effect the 40th? all the tosses are independent
2007-08-16 08:31:25 · answer #5 · answered by Merlyn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
50% chance of tails. For each flip there is a 50% chance of heads and a 50% chance of tails assuming you use a fair coin (not doubble headed or weighted in any way).
2007-08-14 04:58:30 · answer #6 · answered by Rocketman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
0% chance of tails. because after about the first ten tosses, i'm putting that damn coin in my pocket and going to the bar!
2007-08-14 04:59:23 · answer #7 · answered by David W 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1/200
2007-08-14 04:57:29 · answer #8 · answered by jess 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Fifty-Fifty.
Doing homework are we?
2007-08-14 04:58:46 · answer #9 · answered by randothoughtful 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋