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Expected value (basic)

Expected value uses probability to tell us what outcomes to expect in the long run.

Problem 1: Board game spinner

A board game uses the spinner shown below to determine how many spaces a player will move forward on each turn. The probability is 12 that the player moves forward 1 space, and moving forward 2 or 3 spaces each have 14 probability.
What is the expected value for the number of spaces a player moves forward on a turn?
If necessary, round your answer to the nearest hundredth.
  • Your answer should be
  • an integer, like 6
  • a simplified proper fraction, like 3/5
  • a simplified improper fraction, like 7/4
  • a mixed number, like 1 3/4
  • an exact decimal, like 0.75
  • a multiple of pi, like 12 pi or 2/3 pi
spaces

Problem 2: Basketball decisions

Kayla is a basketball player who makes 50% of her 2-point shots and 20% of her 3-point shots.
problem a
Find Kayla's expected value for a 2-point shot.
If necessary, round your answer to the nearest tenth.
  • Your answer should be
  • an integer, like 6
  • a simplified proper fraction, like 3/5
  • a simplified improper fraction, like 7/4
  • a mixed number, like 1 3/4
  • an exact decimal, like 0.75
  • a multiple of pi, like 12 pi or 2/3 pi
points

problem b
Find Kayla's expected value for a 3-point shot.
If necessary, round your answer to the nearest tenth.
  • Your answer should be
  • an integer, like 6
  • a simplified proper fraction, like 3/5
  • a simplified improper fraction, like 7/4
  • a mixed number, like 1 3/4
  • an exact decimal, like 0.75
  • a multiple of pi, like 12 pi or 2/3 pi
points

problem c
Which type of shot should Kayla choose to score the most points?
Choose 1 answer:

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