Calculating Geometric Probability on a Round Table

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Yankel
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Geometric Probability
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating geometric probability involving a coin thrown on a round table. The table has a radius of 50cm, and a smaller circle with a radius of 10cm is at its center. The probability that the entire coin, with a radius of 1cm, lands within the smaller circle is calculated as \(\frac{81}{2500}\). However, there is a correction regarding the placement of the coin, leading to a revised probability of \(\left(\frac{9}{49}\right)^2\), which accounts for the requirement that the coin must land entirely on the table.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric probability concepts
  • Familiarity with area calculations for circles
  • Knowledge of probability theory
  • Basic mathematical skills for manipulating fractions and equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study geometric probability in detail
  • Learn about area calculations for circles and related shapes
  • Explore advanced probability theory concepts
  • Investigate real-world applications of geometric probability
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying probability theory, educators teaching geometric concepts, and anyone interested in the applications of probability in real-world scenarios.

Yankel
Messages
390
Reaction score
0
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 !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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. :)
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
12K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K