School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Assessments: Each sample assessment item gives an idea of how an assessment item on the MSA might be presented. The items appropriately measure the content of the VSC and may be formatted similarly to those appearing on the MSA; however, these are sample items only and have not appeared on any MSA form.

Standard 5.0 Knowledge of Probability

Topic C. Experimental Probability

Indicator 1. Analyze the results of a probability experiment

Objective a. Make predictions and express the experimental probability as a fraction, a decimal, or a percent

Assessment limit: Use no more than 30 results in the sample space

Selected Response Item

Kathy tosses a penny 24 times. The penny lands either with the head side showing or the tail side showing. The data below shows how the penny lands each time.

Kathy tosses the penny 100 more times. Based on the experimental probability determined from the data, what percent of times do you expect the penny will land on heads?

  1. 18%
  2. 25%
  3. 42%
  4. 75%
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_010.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item

Jenn is practicing her basketball shooting. She took 25 practice shots and her results are listed below.

Made Missed Missed Made Made
Missed Made Made Missed Missed
Missed Made Made Made Made
Made Missed Made Missed Made
Made Made Missed Made Missed

Based on the results, what is the experimental probability she will make the next shot?

  1. 10%
  2. 15%
  3. 40%
  4. 60%
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_024.xml

Correct Answer:
D

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Selected Response Item

Marla rolled a number cube 30 times and her results are shown below.

4 5 1 3 6 3 4 2 3 5
1 2 2 2 6 5 3 5 4 1
6 5 2 3 4 1 5 3 3 1

Based on her results, what is the experimental probability that Marla will roll an even number on her next roll?

  1. 0.12
  2. 0.18
  3. 0.40
  4. 0.60
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_025.xml

Correct Answer:
C

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Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item

Juan flipped a coin 20 times. The results are listed below.

Heads Tails Tails Tails Heads
Tails Heads Tails Heads Tails
Heads Tails Heads Tails Heads
Tails Tails Tails Heads Heads

Step A

Based on Juan's results, what is the experimental probability that the coin will land on heads the next time it is flipped?

Step B

Explain why your answer is correct. Use what you know about probability in your explanation. Use words, numbers, and/or symbols in your explanation.

/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_026.xml

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Resources for Objective 5.C.1.a:
Clarifications | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |