Multiple-solution problems in a statistics classroom: An example

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-2017

Abstract

The mathematics education literature shows that encouraging students to develop multiple solutions for given problems has a positive effect on students’ understanding and creativity. In this paper, we present an example of multiple-solution problems in statistics involving a set of non-traditional dice. In particular, we consider the exact probability mass distribution for the sum of face values. Four different ways of solving the problem are discussed. The solutions span various basic concepts in different mathematical disciplines (sample space in probability theory, the probability generating function in statistics, integer partition in basic combinatorics and individual risk model in actuarial science) and thus promotes upper undergraduate students’ awareness of knowledge connections between their courses. All solutions of the example are implemented using the R statistical software package.

Keywords

De Pril recursion, discrete distribution, individual risk model, integer partition, Mang Kung dice, probability generating function

Discipline

Econometrics

Research Areas

Econometrics

Publication

International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology

Volume

48

Issue

8

First Page

1249

Last Page

1261

ISSN

0020-739X

Identifier

10.1080/0020739X.2017.1338770

Publisher

Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2017.1338770

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS