Exploring the Birthday Paradox Using a Monte Carlo Simulation and Graphing Calculators

Describes an activity designed to demonstrate the birthday paradox and introduce students to real-world applications of Monte Carlo-type simulation techniques. Includes a sample TI-83 program and graphical analysis of the birthday problem function. (KHR)

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Mathematics teacher Vol. 94; no. 4; pp. 258 - 262
Main Author Whitney, Matthew C.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Reston National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 01.04.2001
Subjects
Adoption (Ideas)
Birthdays
Calculators
Computers
Experiments
Graphing Calculators
Integers
Mathematics Activities
Mathematics education
Mathematics Instruction
Mathematics teachers
Monte Carlo Methods
Monte Carlo simulation
Paradoxes
Probability
Secondary Education
Simulation
Spreadsheets
Statistics
Teaching Methods
World Wide Web
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Describes an activity designed to demonstrate the birthday paradox and introduce students to real-world applications of Monte Carlo-type simulation techniques. Includes a sample TI-83 program and graphical analysis of the birthday problem function. (KHR)
ISSN:0025-5769
2330-0582
DOI:10.5951/MT.94.4.0258