# Finding a Minumum N from Binomial Distribution

1. May 1, 2012

### Youngster

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

From the text: Use Hershey's Kisses to estimate the probability that when dropped, they land with the flat part lying on the floor. How many trials are necessary to get a result that appears to be reasonably accurate when rounded to the first decimal place?

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

Well assuming that I already obtained some ration through a numerous amount of trials ( by the Law of Large Numbers), how would I use that value to obtain a minimum N amount of trails necessary to get a reasonably accurate result?

I know that the Binomial Probability Formula is:

P(x) = $\frac{n!}{(n-x)!x!}$ $\bullet$ px $\bullet$ qn-x

How would one isolate n in that formula though? Or should I approach this a different way?

2. May 2, 2012

### HallsofIvy

The wording of this problem implies that they expect you to actually do this experiment, using Hershey Kisses, then use the data from your experiment.

3. May 2, 2012

### Ray Vickson

You will also need to decide what is meant by "appears to be" and "reasonably accurate". (These would be issues on which people can honestly disagree!)

RGV