Probability of Turning into a Bird

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the probability of a hypothetical scenario where a human, specifically a substitute teacher, turns into a bird. Participants explore the mathematical implications of this scenario, questioning the feasibility and setting up equations related to probability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the probability of a human turning into a bird is zero, citing the lack of known mechanisms for such a transformation.
  • Others propose a mathematical approach to express this probability, suggesting that since there is only one possible outcome (not changing species), the probability can be calculated as P(X) = 0/1 = 0.
  • One participant expresses that understanding probability can be challenging, indicating a personal struggle with the concept.
  • Another participant comments on the mindset around learning probability, suggesting that negative self-talk may hinder understanding.
  • A later reply questions the motivation behind posting questions if the participant feels unprepared to engage with the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the probability of a human turning into a bird is zero, but there are differing views on the approach to understanding and discussing probability itself, leading to some contention regarding the learning process.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the broader implications of probability theory or the assumptions underlying the hypothetical scenario.

mathdad
Messages
1,280
Reaction score
0
Substitute teacher, Baraba Rose, convinced a class of kindergarden kids that she would turn into a bird before the school day ends. What is the probability that this event will take place?

Solution:

Let P = probability

P(turning into bird) = 0

The answer is 0 because human beings cannot turn themselves into birds or any other animal.

Correct?

Can an equation be set up for this question?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, there are zero known ways for a human being to become a bird, so we can simply say the probability here is zero. The total number of outcomes is one, and that is she will have not changed species on or before the end of the day, so there is only 1 possible outcome, thus:

P(X) = 0/1 = 0
 
I can see that probability is not easy.
 
RTCNTC said:
I can see that probability is not easy.
It looks to me like a large part of your problem with probability is that you keep telling yourself this.
 
HallsofIvy said:
It looks to me like a large part of your problem with probability is that you keep telling yourself this.

When the time comes, I will dive into this area of math a little deeper.
 
If "the time" has not yet come, why are you posting so many questions like these?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 77 ·
3
Replies
77
Views
12K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
15K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
90
Views
12K
  • · Replies 87 ·
3
Replies
87
Views
8K
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
7K