Stats-filter: Given a binary matrix, if I know the total number of ones in a given row and a given column, can I calculate the probability that a given position contains a one? [more inside]
posted by chrisamiller on Dec 16, 2009 - 24 answers

Actuarial / statistics geeks: a puzzle for you. [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb on Dec 8, 2009 - 18 answers

How do I get a controlled distribution of random numbers to fairly determine a start position. [more inside]
posted by monkeystronghold on Oct 25, 2009 - 21 answers

I have a bucket containing N marbles: M white marbles and N-M black marbles. I need to grab a handful of marbles (n) and figure out the probability of having picked up m white marbles. [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Nov 6, 2008 - 16 answers

It's late, I'm tired, and I have a probability and coding question that's fairly simple. [more inside]
posted by chrisamiller on Aug 13, 2008 - 10 answers

How many times would I have to roll a standard 6-sided die to get a statistically representative view of whether it was truly random or not? [more inside]
posted by Bugbread on Apr 30, 2008 - 8 answers

Suppose you take a test for a rare type of cancer that affects 0.01 percent of the population. The test is 98 percent reliable. You get a positive reading. What are the chances you have the cancer? I read this probability puzzle today and the writer said the statistical chances of you having the cancer in this scenario are less than half a percent. I don't get it. Isn't the rarity factor irrelevant compared with the test reliability? Please explain.
posted by binturong on Apr 12, 2008 - 24 answers

for the statisticians: what probability distribution do I want to fit to my data, and how? [more inside]
posted by russm on Jan 18, 2008 - 17 answers

I need a tool to help me analyze the probability of certain events occurring regarding a pool of X dice for a game I am creating. See my examples below. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac on Dec 21, 2007 - 7 answers

Given a fair die with s sides, what is the expected number of rolls r before I get o outcomes with the same value v in a row? [Note this is emphatically NOT a homework problem; I just really want to know, feel like I should be able to figure it out, can't, and it is driving me nuts.] [more inside]
posted by lucasks on Dec 19, 2007 - 30 answers

Which city is safer: San Francisco or Philadelphia? [more inside]
posted by rorycberger on Aug 10, 2006 - 14 answers

Looking for ideas for teaching probability to kids. [more inside]
posted by carterk on Feb 6, 2006 - 16 answers

Probability: A coworker is having an issue with deriving a few formulas for a Weibull distribution. Any pointers? [more inside]
posted by TommyH on Nov 7, 2005 - 2 answers

In my exploration of poker odds and strategies, I've developed more programs for examining situations. I need help evaluating some of the probability and statistics involved. [more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks on Jun 5, 2005 - 10 answers