The Gum Ball Machine

Karen and Diane are having an argument. They both know that the machine is loaded with gum balls of 6 different colors.

Karen feels lucky. She thinks she can get each color by using only 6 pennies. Diane feels it will take at least 15 pennies.

Let's assume that the machine is loaded with an equal amount of each color. How many pennies do you think are needed to get one of each color? Do you agree with either Karen or Diane?

Here is a way to predict the average number of pennies needed to get a gum ball of each color. Follow these steps:

EXTRA CREDIT

Suppose the machine is loaded with gum balls of 12 different colors. How many pennies do you think you would need to get one of each color? Use two dice and set up an experiment to check your prediction.