Explain in your own words what the difference is between
theoretical probability and experimental probability.

Theoretical probability is like a magician’s math: it’s all about what should happen based on ideal conditions and assumptions. For example, when flipping a fair coin, the theoretical probability of landing on heads is 50%, derived from the assumption that both sides are equally likely. On the flip side (pun intended!), experimental probability comes from real-world happenings. This means you conduct an experiment, like flipping that coin a hundred times, and calculate the probability based on actually observed results. So, in a way, theoretical probability is like predicting the weather, while experimental probability is checking your garden after the rain!

In practical terms, if you run an experiment many times and find that a coin lands on heads 60% of the time instead of the expected 50%, your experimental probability reflects that reality! It’s crucial in understanding how outcomes can vary and helps refine theories over time. Plus, it reminds us that statistics can be a bit unpredictable, just like life itself!