EZ Statistics

Law of Large Numbers Simulation

Simulations

Coin Flip Simulation

Parameters

Current Probability:0.00%
Expected Probability:50.00%

Results

Understanding the Results

  • The blue line shows the probability of getting heads as trials increase
  • The red dashed line shows the theoretical probability (50%)
  • Notice how the experimental probability converges to 50% over time
  • This demonstrates the Law of Large Numbers in action

Dice Roll Simulation

Parameters

Current Average:0.00
Expected Average:3.50

Results

Understanding the Results

  • The blue line shows the average dice roll value over time
  • The red dashed line shows the expected average (3.5)
  • Notice how the experimental average converges to 3.5 as trials increase
  • This demonstrates how sample means converge to the true population mean

Card Draw Simulation

Parameters

Current Probability:0.00%
Expected Probability:7.69%

Results

Understanding the Results

  • The blue line shows the probability of drawing an ace over time
  • The red dashed line shows the theoretical probability (4/52 ≈ 7.69%)
  • Notice how the experimental probability converges to 7.69% as trials increase
  • This demonstrates the Law of Large Numbers for a less intuitive probability

Learn More

Understanding the Law of Large Numbers

Overview

The Law of Large Numbers is a fundamental principle in probability theory and statistics that describes how the average of results from repeated experiments will converge to the expected value as the number of trials increases.

Mathematical Foundation

Let X1,X2,...,XnX_1, X_2, ..., X_n be a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables with expected value μ\mu. The sample average is:

Xˉn=1ni=1nXi\bar{X}_n = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^n X_i

The law states that as nn approaches infinity:

P(Xˉnμ<ϵ)1P(|\bar{X}_n - \mu| < \epsilon) \to 1

for any ϵ>0\epsilon \gt 0

Key Concepts

1. Convergence

The average results of repeated random trials will converge to the expected value over a large number of trials.

2. Independence

The trials must be independent of each other - the outcome of one trial does not affect the outcomes of other trials.

3. Sample Size

Larger sample sizes lead to more stable and accurate estimates of the true probability or expected value.

4. Variability

While individual trials may vary significantly, the average becomes more stable as the number of trials increases.

Practical Applications

  • Insurance: Calculating premiums based on historical claim data
  • Quality Control: Monitoring manufacturing processes
  • Gambling: Understanding expected returns in games of chance
  • Scientific Research: Validating experimental results
  • Polling: Determining appropriate sample sizes for surveys

Simulation Insights

Our three simulations demonstrate different aspects of the law:

  • Coin Flip: Shows convergence to a simple probability (50%)
  • Dice Roll: Demonstrates convergence to an expected value (3.5)
  • Card Draw: Illustrates convergence for a more complex probability

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