AS/A2 Stats 2 Stats 3

S1 Topic 3: Probability
Buffon's needle
Buffon's needle experiment is an example of a Monte Carlo method, whereby a random process is used to find an approximation to a mathematical value, in this case pi. A needle is dropped on a floor, with floorboards of width equal to the needle's length. The number of times the needle falls on a crack is counted. This total, when comapred to the number of times the needle has been dropped, can give an estimate of pi. Begin by choosing the number of needle drops then click on Simulate.

an applet from Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH