Expected Value Challenge Item Giveaway
November 2018
Statistics and probability are a new focus for the ACT. We at 36U have come up with a fun challenge to help you prepare for this new focus area–AND to give you a chance to win prizes!
The Problem
In a fountain, there are 1,000 quarters, 2,000 dimes, 2,000 nickels, and 5,000 pennies. A student randomly draws a coin from the fountain each day for 3 years, records its value, and tosses it back into the fountain.
Let x equal the value of a coin drawn randomly from the fountain. If all coins are equally likely to be drawn, regardless of coin size, what is the expected value (long-run average) of x?
A. 1¢
B. 4¢
C. 6¢
D. 8¢
E. 10¢
How Do I Enter the Contest?
Take a pic of your solution, with your work included, and post as a reply to any of our Expected Value Fountain Challenge social media posts OR email to support@36university.com. Submissions must be posted by midnight eastern time on November 15th. Impress us with your easily-understood, clear solution!
What Will I Win?
The winner will receive the 36U Winter Care Package:
1 month access to 36U ACT Prep
36U Tee (Long-sleeve)
$15 Starbucks gift card
How Will 36U Choose a Winner?
At 36U, we value simple, precise solutions. We will draw a winner on November 16th from among entries with correct answers and easy-to-understand explanations. The winner’s submission will be included in our solution post.