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Think You Can Win the Lottery? An Introduction to Combinatorics

In this class we will explore the basics of calculating combinations & permutations and make connections to calculating the odds of winning the lottery, cracking codes, etc. It's math that combines critical thinking & playing with numbers!
Arden Ashley-Wurtmann, MSEd
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(394)
Class

What's included

3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

In this class we will explore the basics of calculating combinations and permutations and make connections to calculating the odds of winning the lottery, cracking codes, etc. 

We will: 
Discuss the purpose of counting formulas using some common scenarios;
Explore the differences between combinations and permutations;
Derive the formulas for calculating combinations and permutations.

Then we will apply these concepts to some common interesting problems such as: 
What is the likelihood that you can guess your friend's locker combination? 
What are the chances that a monkey with a typewriter could randomly write a given sentence? 
. . . and of course . . . 
What are your chances of winning the lottery? 
 

Week 1
Permutations: We will explore Permutations, derive the formulas, and discuss how to know when each of the permutation formulas should be used. We will then practice with a variety of problems. 

Week 2
Combinations: We will explore Combinations, derive the formulas, and discuss how to know when each of the combination formulas should be used. We will then practice with a variety of problems. 

Week 3
Putting it all together! In this session we will explore a variety of combination and permutation problems and see how this knowledge can help to answer the question of, "What are my chances of winning the lottery?" and other mathematical probabilities.

Other Details

Supply List
Learners will need paper, a pencil, and a calculator!  Handouts will be provided prior to class. If possible, it will be helpful if learners can print these ahead of time. Otherwise, they can take notes in a notebook.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
394reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching math and science since 2006. Combinatorics is one of my favorite areas of mathematical reasoning. 

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$42

for 3 classes
1x per week, 3 weeks
45 min

Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
2-9 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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