The Birthday Paradox
applied
A classic, make it your own.
Introduction
It's a classic problem, be sure to add your own twist. Probability can be counter-intuitive - what seems obvious often turns out to be wrong! You can explore this mathematically by calculating theoretical probabilities, running simulations to test your predictions, and investigating how different parameters affect outcomes. This connects pure mathematics with real-world decision making.
Guiding Questions
- How can you model this using sinusoidal functions?
- What determines the amplitude and period of your model?
- How does latitude affect the seasonal variation?
- At what point in the year is the rate of change greatest?
- How would your model change for different latitudes or planets?
Key Mathematical Concepts
Combinatorics
Statistics
Logic
Probability Paradoxes