- #1
Jfontenot06
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If you have five coins and you flip them what is the probability that at least one coin falls heads?
Probability of At Least 1 Heads in 5 Coins Toss
- Thread starter Jfontenot06
- Start date
In summary, the probability of at least one coin falling heads when flipping five coins is 31/32 or approximately 0.96875. This can be calculated by subtracting the probability of no coins landing heads (1/32) from 1. The problem can also be approached by looking at the chances of throwing a set and having none turn up heads, with each coin having two possible outcomes (heads or tails). Overall, the probability of at least one coin falling heads increases with the number of coins flipped.
- #2
siddharth
Homework Helper
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Well, what are your thoughts about the problem? Do you have any idea on how you can solve this? You need to show your work before you get help.
- #3
mathman
Science Advisor
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Hint: prob at least 1 head = 1 - prob no heads. Try working from there.
- #4
Jfontenot06
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Well what I was thinking is that the chances of a coin landing on heads is 1/2. Since there are five coins it should be (1/2)^5 = 1/32 
- #5
mattmns
- 1,128
- 6
That would be the probability of all 5 coins landing on heads.
Look back at mathman's hint again, that is where you want to go with the problem.
Look back at mathman's hint again, that is where you want to go with the problem.
- #6
DaveC426913
Gold Member
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Same hint, different angle:
What are the chances of throwing a set and having NONE turn up heads?
What are the chances of throwing a set and having NONE turn up heads?
- #7
jimmydelgado777
- 2
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For one coin: 3 tosses
2 x 2 x 2
1st toss = happens 2 ways
2nd toss = happens 2 ways
3rd toss = happens 2 ways
s = { HHH, HHT, HTH, THH, HTT, THT, TTH, TTT}
Feel free to correct this. Cheers
2 x 2 x 2
1st toss = happens 2 ways
2nd toss = happens 2 ways
3rd toss = happens 2 ways
s = { HHH, HHT, HTH, THH, HTT, THT, TTH, TTT}
Feel free to correct this. Cheers
FAQ: Probability of At Least 1 Heads in 5 Coins Toss
What is the probability of getting at least one head in five coin tosses?
The probability of getting at least one head in five coin tosses is 97.66%. This means that out of all the possible outcomes, there is a 97.66% chance of getting at least one head in five tosses.
How is the probability of at least one head in five coin tosses calculated?
The probability of at least one head in five coin tosses is calculated by subtracting the probability of getting all tails from the total probability of all possible outcomes. In this case, it would be calculated as 1 - (1/2)^5 = 0.9766.
Does the probability of at least one head increase with more coin tosses?
Yes, the probability of at least one head increases with more coin tosses. This is because with each additional toss, there are more possible outcomes that include at least one head.
How does the probability of at least one head in five coin tosses change if one of the coins is weighted?
If one of the coins is weighted, the probability of at least one head in five coin tosses will depend on the weight of the coin. If the weighted coin is more likely to land on heads, the overall probability of at least one head will increase. If the weighted coin is more likely to land on tails, the overall probability will decrease.
Is the probability of at least one head in five coin tosses affected by the order of the tosses?
No, the probability of at least one head in five coin tosses is not affected by the order of the tosses. As long as there are five tosses, the probability remains the same regardless of the order in which the coins are tossed.