November 2025
Problem of the Month

Flipping Coins

Two players flip three fair coins each.

What is the probability that they get the same number of heads?

Solution to the Problem:

Here is the solution:

The probability is 5/16.

The probability of getting three heads by both players is (1/8)².
The probability of getting two heads by both players is (3/8)².
The probability of getting one head by both players is (3/8)².
The probability of getting no heads by both players is (1/8)².

These probabilities add up to 20/64 or 5/16.

Correctly solved by:

1. Dr. Hari Kishan	D.N. College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Kamal Lohia	Hisar, Haryana, India
3. Davit Banana	Istanbul, Turkey
4. Colin (Yowie) Bowey	Beechworth, Victoria, Australia
5. Mrs. Painter's Honors Precalculus Class	Broome High School, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA

Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher