Knowledge of statistics and probability can increase your advantage when playing games. The activity asks learners to analyze the game of MasterMind to determine the number of possible codes. They also examine different variations of the game in comparison—becoming a true mastermind of the game!

Concepts

permutations, combinations, probability, fundamental counting principle

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

math

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Have learners develop their own version of MasterMind and calculate the number of codes possible
• Play a round of the game with your class to help pupils understand the process

Classroom Considerations

• Requires the ability to apply the concepts of the Fundamental Counting Principle and permutations

Pros

• Uses a real-life application to practice probability concepts

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSS-CP.B.9