Macie's question at Yahoo Answers regarding binomial probability

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    Binomial Probability
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the probability of rolling 10 or fewer sixes when a die is thrown 60 times using the binomial probability formula. The parameters are defined as follows: \(n=60\) (number of trials) and \(p=\frac{1}{6}\) (probability of rolling a six). The cumulative probability is computed by summing the probabilities from \(x=0\) to \(x=10\), resulting in an approximate value of \(P(X) \approx 0.5834\). The calculation was facilitated using Wolfram|Alpha with the command for binomial coefficients and probabilities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of binomial probability formula
  • Familiarity with combinatorial notation, specifically \(n \choose x\)
  • Basic knowledge of probability theory
  • Experience using computational tools like Wolfram|Alpha
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This discussion is beneficial for statisticians, data analysts, students studying probability theory, and anyone interested in applying binomial probability calculations in practical situations.

MarkFL
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Here is the question:

A die is thrown 60 times. What is the probability of 10 or fewer "sixes" ?

I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
 
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Hello Macie,

We want to use the binomial probability formula:

$$P(x)={n \choose x}p^x(1-p)^{n-x}$$

where:

$$0\le x\le10\in\mathbb{Z}$$

$$n=60$$ is the number of trials

$$p=\frac{1}{6}$$ is the probability of rolling a six in any trial.

We want to find the probability that we get zero 6's or 1 6 or 2 6's or...10 6's. So we want to sum up the probabilities for $x=0$ to $x=10$. With the aid of technology, we find:

$$P(X)=\sum_{x=0}^{10}\left({60 \choose x}\left(\frac{1}{6} \right)^x\left(\frac{5}{6} \right)^{60-x} \right)=\frac{9504082209854658458425546996295452117919921875}{16291225993563085829774250757924867955220283392}$$

$$P(X)\approx0.583386555045634235343489438735516181052152146974030836906911$$

I entered the command:

sum of nCr(60,k)(1/6)^k(5/6)^(60-k) for k=0 to 10

at Wolfram|Alpha: Computational Knowledge Engine
 

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