What would the probability be for the 11th flip to be the same as 10th flip

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In summary, the probability of the 11th flip being the same as the 10th flip is 1/2 assuming a fair coin. However, if the coin is weighted, the probability would depend on the outcome of the first ten flips. If there are more heads than tails, the probability of another head is higher. Future tosses will not "make up" for previous tosses.
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I'm wanting to know if there is a formula that can get the probability of then next flip, by taking the data/ averages of the last 10 flips.
So, if the last 10 flips were "H,T,T,H,H,T,T,H,H,H".
What would the probability be for the 11th flip to be the same as 10th flip?
 
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There are two possible outcomes for every toss so that probability would be 1/2. This is different than, say, "What is the probability of tossing two heads in a row?" which would be 1/2 * 1/2 = 1/4.
 
  • #3
Assuming this is a fair coin, that the probability of "heads" or "tails" is always 1/2, then, pretty much by definition, the probability of heads or tails on the 11th flip is 1/2.

If we are not assuming that, but are considering the possibility that the coin is "weighted" so that one of "heads" or "tails" is more likely than the other, we could consider that "history", the first ten tosses, reflects which is more likely. Here the first ten tosses are "H,T,T,H,H,T,T,H,H,H", 6 heads, and 4 tails, then we would estimate the probability of heads on anyone toss, and in particular, the eleventh toss, is 0.6 and the probability of tails is 0.4.

Notice that, in this scenario, the fact that there are more heads than tails in the 10 tosses means that another head is more likely than another tail. Future tosses will \left(\right)not "make up" for previous tosses.
 
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Thanks!
 

FAQ: What would the probability be for the 11th flip to be the same as 10th flip

What is the probability for the 11th flip to be the same as the 10th flip?

The probability for the 11th flip to be the same as the 10th flip is 50%, assuming that the coin is fair and there are only two possible outcomes (heads or tails) for each flip. This means that there is an equal chance for the coin to land on either heads or tails on the 11th flip, regardless of what it landed on during the 10th flip.

Does the outcome of the 10th flip affect the probability of the 11th flip being the same?

No, the outcome of the 10th flip does not affect the probability of the 11th flip being the same. Each flip is an independent event and the previous outcome has no impact on the next flip. The probability of the 11th flip being the same as the 10th flip is always 50%.

Is there a way to increase the probability of the 11th flip being the same as the 10th flip?

No, there is no way to increase the probability of the 11th flip being the same as the 10th flip. As mentioned before, each flip is an independent event and the previous outcome has no influence on the next flip. The probability remains at 50% regardless of any external factors.

What if the coin is biased or not fair?

If the coin is biased or not fair, the probability for the 11th flip to be the same as the 10th flip may be different. This is because the chances of the coin landing on either heads or tails are not equal. In this case, the probability cannot be accurately determined without knowing the specific bias of the coin.

What is the significance of the 11th flip being the same as the 10th flip?

The significance of the 11th flip being the same as the 10th flip is purely based on chance and does not hold any particular significance. It does not impact the outcome of future flips and cannot be used to predict the results of future flips. Each flip is an independent event and the previous outcome has no bearing on the next flip.

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