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Project Summary

Difficulty	8
Time required	Average (about one week)
Prerequisites	Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and statistics
Material Availability	Readily Available
Cost	Very Low (under $20)

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Sponsor

Sponsored by a generous grant from Motorola

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this project is to determine why teams win many more or fewer games than they're expected to based on runs/goals/points scored and allowed.

Introduction

The Pythagorean relationship is a fundamental one in sports: it correctly predicts the records of 98% of all teams. But in 2% of cases, it fails. Why does it fail?

Terms, Concepts and Questions to Start Background Research

Pythagorean Relationship, Bill James

Experimental Procedure

Find teams that deviated substantially from their expected Pythagorean record (this information is available for baseball teams on www.baseball-reference.com). Then look at their situational statistics (this information is available on ESPN.com) and determine what they did that resulted in more or fewer wins than they otherwise should have had. Determine what the teams have in common.

Variations

• For more science project ideas in this area of science, see Pure Mathematics Project Ideas.

Credits

Gabriel Desjardins

Last edit date: 2005-08-31 15:04:24

Career Focus

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring careers in Pure Mathematics.

	Mathematician Mathematicians are part of an ancient tradition of searching for patterns, conjecturing, and figuring out truths based on rigorous deduction. Some mathematicians focus on purely theoretical problems, with no obvious or immediate applications, except to advance our understanding of mathematics, while others focus on applied mathematics, where they try to solve problems in economics, business, science, physics, or engineering.			Statistician Statisticians use the power of math and probability theory to answer questions that affect the lives of millions of people. They tell educators which teaching method works best, tell policy-makers what levels of pesticides are acceptable in fresh fruit, tell doctors which treatment works best, tell builders which type of paint is the most durable. They are employed in virtually every type of industry imaginable, from engineering, manufacturing, and medicine to animal science, food production, transportation, and education. Everybody needs a statistician!
	Math Teacher Math teachers love mathematics and understand it well, but much more than that, they enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the language of numbers with students. They use a variety of tools and techniques to help students grasp abstract concepts and show them that math describes the world around them. By helping students conquer fears and anxieties about math, teachers can open up many science and technology career possibilities for students. Teachers make a difference that lasts a lifetime!			Economist Every country has resources—people, land, raw materials, capital, and machinery—and economists study how those resources are distributed to create the goods that people buy, and the services people need or want. In their studies, economists monitor economic trends and collect data on things like energy costs, inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, business cycles, taxes, and employment levels. Based on their analysis of this data, they develop forecasts of economic activity so that businesses and governments can better plan for the future.

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