M&M ExperimentWhich color are you most likely to

get?

Take out a sheet of paper and pen or pencil.

Step 1Count the number of total candies.

Count the number of candies for each color.

CHART 1 Amount of colored candies

Total Candies

Yellow

Red

Green

Blue

Orange

Brown

Step 2Extend chart to convert the number of candies for each color into a fraction, decimal, & percent! My M&M’s Data

CHART 1Amount of

colored candies

Total Candies

Fraction Decimal Percent

Yellow

Red

Green

Blue

Orange

Brown

Step 3Analyze your results by responding to the following

questions.

1. According to your results, which color is most likely? Which color is least likely?

2. What is the sample space for picking an M&M in your package?

3. Is picking a blue or orange candy more likely? Why?

4. Do you have any colors that have equally likely outcomes? Explain!

5. A) What is the probability of picking an orange M&M? B) What is the probability of picking an orange or a yellow M&M? C) What is the probability of not picking an orange M&M? D) What is the probability of not picking an orange or a yellow M&M?

6. Did we calculate and examine theoretical or experimental probability? How do you know? Elaborate!!!

Step 4According to the M&M website, each package of milk chocolate M&M contains…

•24% Blue•14% Brown•16% Green•20% Orange•13% Red•14% Yellow

Create a chart to show the amount of each color of candy that should be in your package!

Theoretical Data

CHART 2 Percent DecimalTotal

Candies in Package

Amount of Colored Candies

Yellow 14%

Red 13%

Green 16%

Blue 24%

Orange 20%

Brown 14%

Step 5Since your sample size is small, combine class data to examine a larger sample size.

Combined Class Data

CHART 3

Yellow Red Green Blue Orange Brown

Color Totals

Total

Color %

Step 6- Small Group Practice (QUIZ GRADE)1. A) How do you find the theoretical probability of picking

a yellow candy? B) How do you find the experimental probability of picking a yellow candy? C) Will these probabilities always be the same? Different? Neither?

2. A) How do you find the theoretical probability of not picking a yellow candy?

B) How do you find the experimental probability of not picking a yellow candy?

3. Create a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between theoretical and experimental probability. You must have at least one item in every section of your Venn Diagram.

4. A) Compare the whole class color percentages as they relate to the theoretical probability given by the M&M company. B) Are the whole class color percentages closer to the theoretical probability than your individual color percentages?