College Math Placement Practice Test

What is the probability of flipping a fair coin and getting heads?

1. 0.25

2. 0.5

3. 0.75

4. 1

The correct answer is: 0.5

In probability, particularly with fair coins, we determine outcomes based on the total possible outcomes and the desired outcomes. A fair coin has two sides: heads and tails. When we flip the coin, there are two equally likely outcomes. To find the probability of a specific outcome, we use the formula: \[ \text{Probability} = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of outcomes}} \] In this case, the number of favorable outcomes for getting heads is 1 (since there is only one way to get heads). The total number of outcomes (heads or tails) is 2. Thus, the probability of flipping the coin and landing on heads can be calculated as: \[ \text{Probability of heads} = \frac{1}{2} = 0.5 \] This probability reflects that there is an equal chance for the coin to land on heads or tails, confirming that the correct choice is indeed 0.5.