Break's Almost Over!

Hopefully we're all feeling rejuvenated after a week off, some food, some presents, some time with family, and a new year--not just any new year, your year, 2010.

We've got big things on the horizon as we get back...here are some of the highlights for the upcoming weeks...

Thursday, January 7: An after school review session about probability--which will be the heaviest focus on your midterm exam; we'll have more, of course, the following week, but I suggest getting a head start here.

Saturday, January 9: Big day! Our first Student Saturday Session (SSS) of the year! We'll be host to a variety of other schools, and this is a big day for midterm review. I'd also be willing to bet that you'll find it's much more fun than you anticipate a Saturday math session to be.

Thursday/Friday, January 14, 15: Author of our own text, David Bock, will be back at possibly the best time imaginable--the last days before your exam! You'll have the opportunity to review with a master of our course, ask any remaining questions I couldn't answer, and see things from a different (I'll admit, better) perspective.

CHUCK-a-LUCK PAPER DUE MONDAY! TIPS...

• First off, NOTHING LATE! NO EXCUSES! YOU HAD A WEEK!
• When you write your paper, you should always be referencing two probabilities: the probability found using your own simulation, as well as the theoretical probability we find (like when we use "and, or, not, given." These theoretical probabilities are based on "the long term," infinite numbers of trials, and that's why they differ from our results based only on 40 trials. (This difference is where you mention the Law of Large Numbers).
• Your paper should explain whether one should or should not play this game (financially speaking), using the specific mathematics for your support. (Remember--I don't want rambling, theories, ideas, random possibilities--I want statistics as your evidence.
• Remember to use appropriate vocabulary, but make sure you state/imply what these words mean so that a non-statistician could understand. I expect to see each of the words in your paper--disjoint, independent, Law of Large Numbers, probability, simulation, "winning number" (and what it is), expected value.
• Finally, don't forget to make some reference to other social factors--such as the idea that this game is used for charity, in considering if we could "make money."
• An introduction and a conclusion are probably a good idea.

Send any and all specific questions to me at fred.carofano@gmail.com.