Cracking Probability: Generator Games

Okay, so have you seen some of the spinner/generator games in VMK? Ever wonder how possible it is to actually spin what they want you to? If so, read on.

Okay, so on the spinners you can get numbers one, two, three, four, five and six.

With one generator, you have a 1/6 chance of getting a match of one of the numbers. That is a 16.66% chance. Don’t worry, the chances get slimmer.

With two generators, you have to multiply the number of outcomes by itself. That would be 6x6. This becomes your denominator of your fraction, and it will be something out of 36. If they want you to make a spin that matches or is a certain two numbers, your chances of getting both numbers is 2/36, or 1/18, or a 5% chance of spinning what they want you to.

With three generators, you have to multiply six by six by six, or 6x6x6. This equals 216. This is your denominator. So it will something out of 216. You have three outcomes that you need to get. So the probability is 3/216, or 1.38%. Very slim chance of matching there. This would be an example of the staff games for inferno. This is why not many infernos are won.

Overall, there is a very slight chance that you will win in spinning games which require you to match numbers up.

Thank you for the reminder about how random and unlikely some of these games are.

Reminder to everyone: Math is everywhere! It is up to you to learn how to use it to your advantage.

I don't want to hijack your thread, but wanted to point out that on my Spirits Speak (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45275) thread, I talk about the chance of winning that guessing game. I'm exploring it bit-by-bit, so there isn't too much math at a time. :D And you'll see why a game like Spirits Speak is better for you than one of these random games.