In a class of 30 students, each student is equally likely to be absent on any given day. If the probability of any student being absent is 0.1, independently of others, what is the probability that exactly 3 students are absent on a particular day?

Mon, 04 May 2026 02:17:27 +0000

**Why the Busy School Day Matters—And How Likely That 3 Absences Really Are** In today’s fast-paced world, understanding everyday patterns can reveal surprising insights. Consider a classroom of 30 students, where each day up to 10% might miss school by chance—no illness, no emergency, just routine. If each student independently has a 10% chance of being absent, what’s the odds that exactly three walk out that day? This question isn’t just academic—it reflects a quiet but growing trend in education and workforce planning, where predictable uncertainty shapes expectations. Whether you’re a parent managing school schedules, a district leader allocating resources, or a caregiver balancing family life, knowing how likely a soft absence is can help—especially when small numbers matter in large systems. **Why This Calculation Matters Now**