Sample Space, Clothing and Outfits

Normally a discussion on probability or statistics begins with outcomes from an experiment, what we refer to as sample space


Taken From CNX.org

A sample space is a set or collection of outcome of a particular random experiment.
For example, imagine a dart board. You are trying to find the probability of getting a bullseye. The dart board is the sample space. The probability of a dart hitting the dart board is 1.0. For another example, imagine rolling a six sided die. The sample space is {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}.

Examples of Sample Space.

• The tossing of a coin, sample space is {Heads, Tails}
• The roll of a die, sample space is {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}
• The selection of a numbered ball (1-50) in an urn, sample space is {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...., 50}
• Percentage of calls dropped due to errors over a particular time period, sample space is {2%, 14%, 23%, ......}
• The time difference between two messages arriving at a message centre, sample space is {0, ...., infinity}
• The time difference between two different voice calls over a particular network, sample space is {0, ...., infinity}

Many educators use a tree diagram to help students understand outcomes which is a very handy tool. 

(Flipping a Coin and Rolling A Die)

Yet, even with a great tool like a tree diagram, there is still a disconnect between the teaching and the student. We need a better way to reach them!

I like this idea suggested by one of my statistics students!

How Many Outfits Can I Wear?

Using stickers of different clothing (shoes, hats, dresses, etc), let your students discover the amount of mixing and matching they can perform to create different outfits.