The beginnings of probability

URL: http://mathforum.org/isaac/problems/prob1.html

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These pages present, in terms of a fictional story based on true events, the problem that inspired the development of mathematical probability in Renaissance Europe by French mathematicians Pierre de Fermat and Blaise Pascal. Two equally skilled players are interrupted while playing a game of chance for a certain amount of money. Given the score of the game at that point, how should the stakes be divided? Outlined here is, first, the particular solution and then the general solution based on a central concept of probability, equally probable outcomes.

Summary

Subject keyword(s)	Combinations and permutations, Famous problems, Mathematics, Mathematics history, Probability, Sample space and events
Grade level	Middle School, High School, Informal Education, Vocational/Professional Development Education
Intended audience	Educator, Learner
Resource type	Instructional Material, Reference Material
Resource format	text, text/html
Rights	1994-2007 Drexel University

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Title	Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2)
Link	http://msteacher2.org/
Description	The Middle School Portal 2: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2) supports middle grades educators with high-quality, standards-based resources and promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its users. Educators use MSP2 to increase content knowledge in science, mathematics, and appropriate pedagogy for youth ages 10 to 15. MSP2 employs social networking and digital tools to foster dynamic experiences that promote creation, modification, and sharing of resources, facilitate professional development, and support the integration of technology into practice. MSP2 is a project of the Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology, National Middle School Association, and Education Development Center, Inc., and is funded by the National Science Foundation. The partners integrate resources, tools, and services across projects, and support multiple methods of resource discovery to meet the needs of this audience.
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Content contained within the resource

The Beginnings of Probability...A Math Forum Project Table of Contents: Famous Problems Home The Bridges of Konigsberg · Euler's Solution · Solution, problem 1 · Solution, problem 2 · Solution, problem 4 · Solution, problem 5 The Value of Pi · A Chronological Table of Values · Squaring the Circle Prime Numbers · Finding Prime Numbers Famous Paradoxes · Zeno's Paradox · Cantor's Infinities · Cantor's Infinities, Page 2 The Problem of Points · Pascal's Generalization · Summary and Problems · Solution, Problem 1 · Solution, Problem 2 Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem Proof that e is Irrational Book Reviews References Links