Question

Which among the following is an example of theoretical probability?

• A. A coin is tossed $20$ times and it is recorded that heads occurred $8$ times and tails occurred $12$ times.
• B. A coin is tossed.

Answer 1

The correct option is B A coin is tossed.

Experimental probability is based on the data which is obtained after an experiment is carried out.

Theoretical probability is based on what is expected to happen in an experiment, without actually conducting it.

In option (a.), we have

A coin is tossed $20$ times and it is recorded that heads occurred $8$ times and tails occurred $12$ times.
This is an example of Experimental probability.

In option (b.), we have

A coin is tossed.

$P\left(Head\right)=\frac{1}{2}$
$P\left(Tail\right)=\frac{1}{2}$

This is an example of theoretical probability.

Therefore, option (b.) is the correct answer.