Caps and Robbers: What Can You Expect?

Authors: Zager, Laura A.; Verghese, George C.

Source: The College Mathematics Journal, Volume 38, Number 3, May 2007 , pp. 185-191(7)

Publisher: Mathematical Association of America

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $20.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The "matching" hats problem is a classic exercise in probability: if n people throw their hats in a box, and then each person randomly draws one out again, what is the expected number of people who draw their own hat? This paper presents several extensions to this problem, with solutions that involve interesting tricks with iterated expectations, the law of total probability, and binomial and hypergeometric distributions.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-05-01

More about this publication?

The College Mathematics Journal is designed to enhance classroom learning and stimulate thinking regarding undergraduate mathematics. CMJ publishes articles, short Classroom Capsules, problems, solutions, media reviews and other pieces. All are aimed at the college mathematics curriculum with emphasis on topics taught in the first two years.
Information for Authors
Submit a Paper
Subscribe to this Title
Membership Information
Information for Advertisers
Terms & Conditions
MAA Bookstore
Loci
Math Horizons
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites