Question

Using the results of a student lunch survey, you determine that the probability that a randomly chosen student likes green beans is 0.38 . Is this probability theoretical or experimental?

Short answer

The given probability is experimental.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the provided Information

From the problem, we know that the probability was determined using a student lunch survey. This information is key in understanding how the probability figure was obtained.

Define Theoretical and Experimental probabilities

Theoretical probability is calculated based on what should happen in an ideal case and does not involve actual experiments. It is mostly calculated based on mathematical equations. Conversely, experimental probability is the ratio of the number of trials with a given outcome to total number of trials, and is determined based on actual experiments or data collection methods such as surveys or historical data.

Classify the Probability

Knowing the difference between theoretical and experimental probabilities, it can be concluded that this probability was determined from actual data collected through a survey. Therefore, it is an experimental probability.