Title
The Raffle (Jill Long)
Goals
Students will begin to use the multiplication and addition principles when working with probabilities.
Abstract
This activity, which is set to occur sometime before Prom, asks the students to find the probabilities of winning a number of prizes given that they have bought a set number of tickets. This activity could be used after they have been introduced to the multiplication and addition principles.
Problem Statement
Talk about the after-Prom. There really will be a raffle there. What do they think are their chances of winning? How many tickets will they buy to increase their odds? Let's look at an example as a class to see if it can help you raise your chances of actually winning a prize.
Instructor Suggestions
1) Set the stage with the problem statement.
2) Have them work in groups of 4, not dividing the problems up, but having everyone work together to come up with a strategy that the group will use.
3) Be flexible. If one group wants to change the number of tickets that they purchased, let them. It might promote a good discussion.
4) Have the groups come up to present findings and strategies.
Materials
handout, calculators would be nice
Time
introduction (5 min), group work (25 min), presentation (10 min)
Mathematics Concepts
Discrete Mathematics Concepts
Counting Techniques, probability, permutations, combinations, independent vs. dependent events, multiplication principle, addition principle
Related Mathematics Concepts
same
NCTM Standards Addressed
Problem Solving, communication, reasoning, connections, algebra, probability, discrete mathematics
Colorado Model Content Standards Addressed
Algebraic Techniques (2), Problems Solving Techniques (5), Linking Concepts and Procedures (6)
Curriculum Integration
This activity could be integrated into an Algebra 2 class when talking about probabilities, permutation, etc. Any class above an Algebra 2 class could use this as well.
Further Investigation
This activity might be better if you let each group actually pick the number of tickets that they will buy, and discuss the money spent versus the greater chances of winning.
Variations/Comments
References/Resources
Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. (1991) McDougall Littell & Company.
Crisler,N., Fisher, P. , & Froelich, G. (1994). Discrete mathematics through applications. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.