Data Analysis and Probability Activities - Grade 8

Probability and Dice

Purpose:

• To calculate the probability of the outcomes of rolling a pair of dice 100 times.

Material needed:

• pencil

• paper

• pair of dice

Directions:

1. Roll the dice 100 times and record the number of times that each sum occurs.

2. Find the experimental probability of each sum.
    

   Tally

   Frequency

   Experimental Probability (%)

   Theoretical Probability (%)

   2
   4
   5
   6
   10
   12

   
   

3. What was the most likely sum?  the least likely sum?

4. Use this table to list all the possible sums when rolling a pair of dice. 

    
    

5. Calculate the theoretical probability of each sum and record it on the chart.  Round to the nearest whole number.

6. Compare the theoretical probability with your experimental probability.

7. Is the most likely sum for each the same?  Why or why not?

8. Is the least likely sum for each the same?  Why or why not?