Chapter 11.9, Problem 6LC

Solution

To explain: Flipping a coin 10 times satisfies all conditions for it to be considered a binomial experiment.

Given:

A coin is flipped 10 times.

Concept used:

The conditions to be satisfied to be a binomial experiment are

• The number of observations has to be fixed (n).
• Each trial has two possible outcomes.
• Each trial is independent of other trials.
• The probability of success (p) is the same in all outcomes.

Explanation:

A coin is flipped 10 times, so the number of trials is fixed. Each time a coin is tossed there are two possible outcomes either a head or a tail. The probability of heads or tails remains constant in all trials $(p=0.5)$ . It can be said that outcome of one coin flip does not affect the outcome of other coin flips, so it can be said that each coin flip is independent of other coin flips. Thus flipping a coin 10 times satisfies all four conditions for it to be considered a binomial experiment.