Simple Probability

Question

1. Each black section takes up 1/4 of the wheel. If you land on that, you walk away with nothing.
2. The blue section takes up 1/8 of the wheel. If you land on that, you get a small prize (a piece of candy or bookmark).
3. The purple section takes up 1/8 of the wheel. If you land on that, you get a medium prize (a bracelet or a squirt gun).
4. The green section takes up 1/12 of the wheel. If you land on that, you get to spin again.
5. The red section takes up 1/12 of the wheel. If you land on that, you get a large prize (a stuffed animal or t-shirt).
6. The yellow section takes up 1/30 of the wheel. If you land on that, you get $5.
7. The orange section takes up 1/30 of the wheel. If you land on that, you get $10.
8. The white section takes up 1/60 of the wheel. If you land on that, you get the $50 jackpot.

1. Joey decides to spin the wheel 60 times. What is the expected outcome of spins? (How many times should it land on each space?)

2. Use your information from question 5 to determine whether or not this wheel is profitable for the person who owns the booth. Explain your reasoning in full sentences.

3. What could the booth owner do to make the wheel more profitable for himself? You may include a drawing of the more profitable wheel if you would like. Explain your reasoning in complete sentences.

Answer 1

black: 30

blue:7.5

purple: 7.5

green: 5

red: 5

yellow: 2

orange: 2

white: 1