Coin Toss Probability: Comparing $P_n$ and $P_{2n}$ for $2n$ and $4n$ Tosses

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In summary, the purpose of "Coin Toss Probability: Comparing $P_n$ and $P_{2n}$ for $2n$ and $4n$ Tosses" is to compare the probabilities of obtaining a certain number of heads or tails when tossing a coin a certain number of times. The study has significance in understanding probability and its application in real-world situations. The methodology used involves theoretical analysis and simulation, and the main finding is that as the number of tosses increases, the probabilities tend to even out. This study can be applied in various fields, including gambling, sports, and decision-making.
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Let $n$ be a positive integer. Let $P_n$ be the probability that in $2n$ tosses of a fair coin exactly $n$ heads occur, and $P_{2n}$ the probability that in $4n$ tosses of a fair coin exactly $2n$ heads occur. Which is larger, $P_n$ or $P_{2n}$?

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Congratulations to lfdahl for his correct solution!:)

Suggested Solution:

Note that $P_n$ is always larger. Thus, it suffices to show that $P_n$ is a decreasing function of $n$, and for this it suffices to show that $P_n>P_{n+1}$ for all $n$.

We have $P_n={2n \choose n}\left(\dfrac{1}{2} \right)^{2n}$ and $P_{n+1}={2n+2 \choose n+1}\left(\dfrac{1}{2} \right)^{2n+2}$.

So,

$\begin{align*}\dfrac{P_n}{P_{n+1}}&=\dfrac{{2n \choose n}}{{2n+2 \choose n+1}}\dfrac{\left(\dfrac{1}{2} \right)^{2n}}{\left(\dfrac{1}{2} \right)^{2n+2}}\\&=\dfrac{(2n)!}{n!n!}\cdot\dfrac{4(n+1)!(n+1)!}{(2n+2)!}\\&=\dfrac{4(n+1)^2}{(2n+1)(2n+2)}\\&=\dfrac{2n+2}{2n+1}\\&>1\end{align*}$

Thus $P_n>P_{n+1}$ for all $n$. It follows that $Pn>P_m$ whenever $m>n$. In particular, $P_n>P_{2n}$.
 

FAQ: Coin Toss Probability: Comparing $P_n$ and $P_{2n}$ for $2n$ and $4n$ Tosses

What is the purpose of "Coin Toss Probability: Comparing $P_n$ and $P_{2n}$ for $2n$ and $4n$ Tosses"?

The purpose of this study is to compare the probabilities of obtaining a certain number of heads or tails when tossing a coin a certain number of times. This comparison is made between tossing the coin twice the number of times and four times the number of times.

What is the significance of this study?

This study has significance in understanding the concept of probability and how it relates to real-world situations. It also helps in understanding the difference between the outcomes of tossing a coin a certain number of times and twice or four times that number of times.

What is the methodology used in this study?

The methodology used in this study involves conducting a theoretical analysis and simulation of coin tosses for different numbers of tosses. The probabilities are then calculated and compared for each set of tosses.

What are the main findings of this study?

The main finding of this study is that as the number of coin tosses increases, the probabilities of obtaining a certain number of heads or tails tend to even out. This means that the more times a coin is tossed, the more likely it is to get an equal number of heads and tails.

How can this study be applied in real life?

Understanding coin toss probability can be useful in various real-life situations where probability is involved, such as in gambling, sports, and decision-making. It can also be applied in fields such as statistics, economics, and finance.

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