Student birth month distribution probability question

In summary, the probability of there being six months each containing the birthdays of two students and six months each containing the birthdays of three students in a class of 30 students is 0.000346. This can be calculated by finding the number of ways to choose six months out of twelve and using the formula [(30!/(2!2!2!2!2!2!3!3!3!3!3!3!)) * 12!] / 12^{30}. The number of variations for the formula is not 12!, but rather the number of ways to choose six months out of twelve.
  • #1
Proggy99
51
0

Homework Statement


A class contains 30 students. What is th eprobability that there are six months each containing the birthdays of two students, and six months each containing the birthdays of three students. Assume that all months have the same probability of including the birthday of a randomly selected person.

Homework Equations


distributing n students across k months with n1 students in the first month, n2 students in the second, ..., nk students in the kth month would use the formula n! / (n1!n2!n3!...nk!)
there are 12! variations on the above formula
there are [tex]12^{30}[/tex] possible combinations of 30 students spread across 12 months


The Attempt at a Solution


[(n! / (n1!n2!n3!...nk!)) * 12!] / [tex]12^{30}[/tex] =
[(30!/(2!2!2!2!2!2!3!3!3!3!3!3!)) * 12!] / [tex]12^{30}[/tex] = 179.255

I know the answer is .000346, I just do not know what I am doing wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Proggy99 said:

Homework Statement


A class contains 30 students. What is th eprobability that there are six months each containing the birthdays of two students, and six months each containing the birthdays of three students. Assume that all months have the same probability of including the birthday of a randomly selected person.

Homework Equations


distributing n students across k months with n1 students in the first month, n2 students in the second, ..., nk students in the kth month would use the formula n! / (n1!n2!n3!...nk!)
there are 12! variations on the above formula
there are [tex]12^{30}[/tex] possible combinations of 30 students spread across 12 months


The Attempt at a Solution


[(n! / (n1!n2!n3!...nk!)) * 12!] / [tex]12^{30}[/tex] =
[(30!/(2!2!2!2!2!2!3!3!3!3!3!3!)) * 12!] / [tex]12^{30}[/tex] = 179.255

I know the answer is .000346, I just do not know what I am doing wrong.

There aren't "12! variations on the above formula". The number of variations is the number of ways to choose six months out of twelve.
 
  • #3
Dick said:
There aren't "12! variations on the above formula". The number of variations is the number of ways to choose six months out of twelve.

ah yes, that makes sense, I was focusing in the wrong direction when trying to figure out what I was missing. So by figuring out all the different variations of six months, I automatically have all the variations of the other six months in relation to the first six. I was doing 12! to do all the different orders of 12 months, which in this case does not fit the problem. Thanks for the help
 

FAQ: Student birth month distribution probability question

What is the "Student birth month distribution probability question"?

The "Student birth month distribution probability question" refers to a statistical problem that investigates the likelihood of the distribution of student birth months in a given population. This question is commonly used to explore whether there is a pattern or preference in the month in which students are born.

Why is the student birth month distribution important?

The student birth month distribution is important because it can provide insights into potential factors that may influence a student's academic performance or development. It can also help identify any potential biases or patterns that may exist in the education system.

How is the student birth month distribution calculated?

The student birth month distribution is calculated by collecting data on the birth months of a sample of students and organizing it into a frequency table. Then, the percentage of students born in each month is calculated and plotted on a graph to visualize the distribution.

What is the purpose of studying the student birth month distribution?

The purpose of studying the student birth month distribution is to gain a better understanding of any potential patterns or preferences in the month in which students are born. This information can then be used to inform educational policies and practices to better support students' academic success.

Can the student birth month distribution influence a student's academic performance?

While there is no direct causal relationship between a student's birth month and their academic performance, studies have shown that there may be correlations between birth month and factors such as age, development, and opportunities. However, many other factors also play a role in a student's academic performance, and birth month alone should not be used as a determining factor.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top