Probability

 

I like to think of statistics as a study of the past while probability is a study of the future. For many students, probability is the most difficult section of the course. The Advanced Placement curriculum is careful not to over-emphasize probability. It is merely a way-station for conditional probability, the backbone of inference. I have always enjoyed teaching probability although there is no mathematical topic I respect more. I always get bogged down in these chapters because of my like for the material and I probably have way too much material here. The study of the Powerball game, for instance, is certainly not necessary, but I find that students enjoy learning about it. Since the halfway point of this course usually occurs while teaching probability, I have included a midterm in this unit.
 

 

 
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Probability Terms
6-page Packet *		 The basic probability rules are introduced here with problems for the students to try. This is the bare-bones approach to probability and there are other materials in this unit that goes into the topic in more depth. Prob01ProbabilityTermsRules.pdf (496 KB)
Conditional Probability
4-page Worksheet *		 A bunch of problems that students can do in class and at home dealing with this confusion topic. Making a chart to categorize data is emphasized. Prob02ConditionalProb.pdf (104 KB)
Conditional Probability
3-page Worksheet *		 More complicated conditional probability is explored using tree diagrams and the multiplication rule. Some really neat real-life situations are explored. Prob03TreeDiagrams.pdf (80 KB)
Random Variables
14-page Packet *		 Lots of topics are presented in this packet such as the distinction between discrete and continuous random variables, the mean and standard deviation of random variables, the law of large numbers, and expected value. Prob04RandomVariables.pdf (952 KB)
Expected Value
1-page Quiz *		 A 2-problem quiz dealing with expected value. Prob05ExpValueQuiz.pdf (64 KB)
Random Variables
2-page Quiz *		 A 2-problem practice quiz dealing with the rules for the mean and standard deviation of random variables. Prob06RandomVariablesPracQuiz.pdf (176 KB)
Random Variables
1-page Quiz *		 A 3-problem quiz dealing with the rules for the mean and standard deviation of random variables. Prob07RandomVariablesQuiz.pdf (208 KB)
Probability
Three 4-page Exams *		 A very comprehensive (multiple choice and free response) exam testing all aspects of probability. This exam can be given as a take-home and three similar (but different) exams are given so students cannot collsborate. Prob08ProbabilityExams.pdf (732 KB)
Binomial and Geometric Distributions
13-page Packet *		 A very comprehensive study of binomials and geometric distributions with calculator instructions and lots of problems. There is also a practice test included. Prob09BinomialGeometric.pdf (652 KB)
Binomial Distributions
Three 1-page Quizzes *		 A take-home quiz that investigates whether there is a case for sexual discrimination in  a corporate setting. 3 different quizzes are included so that students won't be able to collaborate. Prob10SexualDiscrimination.pdf (164 KB)
Combinatorics
1-page Worksheet *		 A study of the Pennsylvania Powerball game using combination theory. None of this is required for the AP exam but the study is fun, informative, and interesting to students. Prob11Powerball.pdf (64 KB)
Probability
2-page Worksheet *		 I have no idea where I got this neat little test of basic probability so due credit is given to an anonymous source. Since probability is usually studied around Christmas, this little quiz is timely. Prob12TwelveDaysXmas.pdf (72 KB)
Binomial and Geometric Distributions
2-page Exam *		 A comprehensive exam on the mean and standard deviation of a random variables as well as all aspects of binomial and geometric distributions. Prob13RandomVarBinomGeomExam.pdf (192 KB)
Midterm
8-page Exam *		 A 2-hour exam that covers the course to date: Descriptive statistics, regression, experimental design, and basic probability are included. Prob14Midterm.pdf (220 KB)

 

 
Purchase the Probability Answer Key!
Only $29.95 (for download) 
Purchase options.
Purchase entire set of answer keys for all AP Stat materials!
Only $99.95 (for download) 
Purchase options.
 
Other purchase options include ordering our AP Stat materials in paper format or on CD.  Click here for details!  


 

Click HERE to access the downloads for a previous purchase 
(must be within 3 days of original purchase)