44
High school
Simulated Dice
• • • • • • • • • • • Using the activity in the classroom • • • • • • • • • • •
This activity could form the basis of a whole class investigation. After some initial work on prob-
ability, students could be introduced to the idea of using the calculator to simulate dice.
The question can then be raised about the reliability of the simulation. The calculator can be used
to simulate a die and the results can be collected, presented and analyzed. If the whole class works
on the problem, a large number of trials can be carried out quite quickly. The results can be com-
pared to expected frequencies based on equally likely outcomes.
Other ways of using the calculator to simulate dice can also be explored. For example, 0.5 +
RANDOM (6). Students could then explore the reliability of other dice simulations, such as adding
or multiplying the scores on two dice.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Points for students to discuss • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
It is probably best to explain orally to students how to use the calculator to simulate dice before
starting the activity.
Further Ideas
• Compare the calculator’s simulation of dice to a computer’s simulation of dice.
After finishing this example, it is advised to return the display mode back to normal.
Let’s create a simulation that throws these dice and finds their sum.
[
1
+RANDOM (5)] + [
1
+RANDOM (5)]
How good a simulation is this? Investigate other dice dimulations…
DEG
(Repeat until the FIX, SCI,
ENG symbols are disappeared)
Summary of Contents for EL-531RH
Page 1: ...SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR TEACHER S GUIDE JULY 1999 EL 531RH ...
Page 56: ......
