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Does a fair independent coin have a different heads probability on the next toss after an earlier streak?

No, a fair independent coin still has a heads probability of 1/21/2 on the next toss, regardless of an earlier streak. The trials are independent, meaning past outcomes do not influence future probabilities. While the law of large numbers suggests that the long-run proportion will approach 1/21/2, it does not imply that the coin 'compensates' for past deviations in the immediate next trial.

Conditions

  • The coin is fair.
  • The tosses are independent.
  • There has been an earlier streak of outcomes.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify that the coin is fair and the tosses are independent.
  2. Recall that independence means the probability of the next event is unaffected by previous events.
  3. State that the probability of heads remains 1/21/2 for the next toss.
  4. Clarify that the law of large numbers applies to the long-run average, not to the correction of individual short-term streaks.

Example

The script states: "A fair independent coin still has heads probability 1/21/2 on the next toss, regardless of an earlier streak."

Common misconceptions

  • Believing in the gambler's fallacy, where one expects a reversal after a streak.
  • Thinking that the law of large numbers forces immediate compensation for past outcomes.
  • Confusing the long-run tendency of proportions with the probability of a single next trial.

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