Uncertainty on the number of trials in binomial distributions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating uncertainty in binomial distributions, specifically using the example of tossing a coin 100 times. The correct method for determining uncertainty is clarified, stating that the uncertainty in the number of heads or tails can be represented as one standard deviation. In this case, with 50 heads and 50 tails, the uncertainty is calculated as 5, leading to the conclusion that the result can be expressed as 50 +/- 5.

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penguindecay
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Dear Reader,

I am writing for information, or a point towards any information about the calculation on the uncertainty on the number of trials in a binomial distribution. I had been using the SQRT(N) (taken from poisson dist. I miss them) but forgot they are binomial. For example if I toss a coin 100 times, (lands 50 heads 50 tails), what would the uncertainty/error be on that 100 trials? That is to say 100 +/- ?. Thank you for your help,

Kim
 
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The description you give has the number of trials as given (no uncertainty). The uncertainty would be in the number of heads or number of tails. One standard deviation in this case is 5, so you would say the number of heads would be 50 +/- 5.
 

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