Calculating Geometric Probability on a Round Table

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    Geometric Probability
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating geometric probability related to a coin landing on a round table. Participants explore the conditions under which the entire coin must be within a smaller circle located at the center of the table, considering the dimensions of both the table and the coin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) calculates the probability based on the area of the larger circle and adjusts for the coin's radius, proposing a probability of \(\frac{81}{2500}\).
  • Another participant suggests a different probability formula, \(P(x)=\frac{\pi\left(10-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2}{\pi\left(50-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2}=\left(\frac{19}{99}\right)^2\), indicating a different interpretation of the problem.
  • A third participant questions the use of \(\dfrac{1}{2}\) in the second participant's formula, asserting that the coin's radius is 1cm and proposing an alternative probability of \(\left(\dfrac{9}{49}\right)^2\), which assumes the coin must land entirely on the table.
  • A later reply acknowledges a misreading of the radius as diameter, indicating a potential source of confusion in the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to calculating the probability, with no consensus reached on the correct answer or methodology.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the placement of the coin and its relationship to the edges of the table and the smaller circle.

Yankel
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Hello all,

I have a question related to geometric probability. I think I solved it, but not sure, would appreciate your opinion.

We are given a round table with a radius of 50cm. At the center of this table there is another circle, with a radius of 10cm. A coin with a radius of 1cm is thrown on the table. Assuming that it landed on the table, what is the probability that the coin (the entire coin) is within the small circle ?

I said that the area of the big circle is

\[2500\pi\]

this is the sample space.

The set of the required event is the points creating the area of the small circle, but going 1cm inside, to allow the entire coin to be inside, so it is:

\[81\pi\]

Therefore the probability is:

\[\frac{81}{2500}\]

Am I correct ?

Thank you !
 
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I would be inclined to say:

$$P(x)=\frac{\pi\left(10-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2}{\pi\left(50-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2}=\left(\frac{19}{99}\right)^2$$
 
Not sure where Mark's $\dfrac12$ is coming from. The question says that the radius (not the diameter!) of the coin is 1cm. So I would give the answer as $\left(\dfrac9{49}\right)^2$. This assumes that the coin has to land so that it is entirely on the table. The OP's answer $\dfrac{81}{2500}$ assumes that it is allowed to land so that it precariously overlaps the edge of the table.
 
Yes, I misread radius as diameter...oops. :)
 

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