Law of Large Numbers
The Law of Large Numbers (LLN) is the theorem that describes how a random-variable stabilizes over a long period of time (MacEwen, 2008).
(Jakob Bernoulli first proved the law of large numbers in 1713. This stamp displays the formula and graph for the law of large numbers.)
For example, my roommate and I decide to roll a die to determine who cooks dinner each night. For every even number it’s my job to cook dinner and for every odd number it’s her job. For a week straight even numbers have been rolled. I started to get upset because my roommate never had to cook. But when I remember the law of large numbers I realize that it will all work out and my roommate will indeed have to do her fair share of cooking dinner… eventually. This is as long as we live together for a decent amount of time (at least 6 months). The random variation of even or odd numbers that have been rolled will eventually become a 50:50 ratio.
MacEwen, B. (2008, spring). Psychology 261. Class lectures. University of Mary Washington.
Law of large numbers. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved February 04, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/bps/topic/330568/law-of-large-numb
