Math problem based on real life

[Fayd]

My solution to problems like these is to write a C++ program that randomizes and keeps stats on results and can be run in a user defined amount of times, or for something that has finite possibilities, each single possibility is tried. While the math way is more efficient, the C++ way is easier.

no, it really isn't.

and i'm not opposed to the monte carlo method either, but really, for situations in which you can recognize the underlying distribution and parameters of that distribution, you're better off just using the math.

 

[Ferzerp]

no, it really isn't.

and i'm not opposed to the monte carlo method either, but really, for situations in which you can recognize the underlying distribution and parameters of that distribution, you're better off just using the math.

It is if you aren't as comfortable with statistics as you are with creating the simulation. This method can be applied to arbitrary statistics problems by an individual skilled in proper modeling. Calculating it requires a different set of skills that he may not possess. Granted, this problem isn't overly complex, but it still isn't a "worse" way of arriving at the solution. I used to use it in stats classes on the "trick questions" that were ones that we cannot intuit the right calculation for.

By the way, I also get ~24%

There is almost a 1 in 4 chance of this occuring, and is not any sort of evidence of anything untoward.

 

[MotionMan]

By the way, I also get ~24%

There is almost a 1 in 4 chance of this occuring, and is not any sort of evidence of anything untoward.

I guess it just felt weird.

MotionMan

 

[Ferzerp]

I missed where you added the part about kids tied to other teams. That one does reduce it to the lower number which was roughly 1/6 chance what you've seen occur.

 

[Fayd]

Orrrrrrrrr you could just write a C++ program that enumerates all possible outcomes and determines the number of times when none of the 10 kids are on Team A divided by the number of possible outcomes.

or you could realize that's *exactly* what a hypergeometric distribution is/does.

 

[AstroManLuca]

If so many parents have specifically asked to be put on team A, why would you randomly assign teams anyway? Why not randomly assign 7 of those 10 to team A?

 

[MotionMan]

If so many parents have specifically asked to be put on team A, why would you randomly assign teams anyway? Why not randomly assign 7 of those 10 to team A?

That is just not the way they do it.

Technically, the parents are not allowed to request a coach - they all just wrote it in!

MotionMan

 

[twinrider1]

...
-The league has 6 teams of 10 players each (60 players total);
-3 of the players are bound to Team A (kids of Team A's coaches);
-10 parents of other players requested to be on Team A (which is allowed but not guaranteed);
...

...Technically, the parents are not allowed to request a coach - they all just wrote it in!

MotionMan

 

[AstroManLuca]

Yeah that's a good question. "Not guaranteed" could mean just that you randomly select them and 3 of the 10 don't get in. Not allowed implies that you shouldn't select anyone differently regardless of if they request a coach or not.

 

[silverpig]

But in reality, if you aren't going to take that information into consideration, there's no point in allowing them to request a coach, other than to placate them.

 

[MotionMan]

Yeah, that's why it's not guaranteed. It is technically not allowed, but they supposedly do look at write-ins.

MotionMan

 

[Paladin3]

I coach U12 softball. Coaches and league officials have to remember that their program will only be successful as long as the athletes and parents enjoy and support the program. Within reason, you should accommodate as many of the requests as possible, so long as your teams remain balanced and competitive.

We tell our parents that we will try to accommodate as many request as possible, but that nothing can be guaranteed. We find everyone is happier if they can play with friends, carpool, work with a coach they like and such. Making the teams completely random will just piss everyone off.

Consideration should also be given to the more serious athletes who may go on to play the sport at the high school and college level. Those athletes need to go to a coach and team where they will be challenged and developed in ways other "rec players" may not need to be.

If you have coaches that nobody wants their kids to play for, then you need to work with developing them into better coaches and team managers.

Besides, they told me there would be no math involve in coaching. It's the only reason I agreed to do it.