[dread78645]

I think the odds work out as 1 in 38n, with n being the number spins -- you math mavens may pitch in here, please.

Correct. In formal notation:

C(q,k)ⁿ = (q!/(q-k)!)ⁿ = (38!/37!)ⁿ = 38ⁿ

This is not an argument against God. It's an argument about silly applications of mathematics.

It's pointless to calculate probabilities if there isn't a favored outcome (ex. roulette table -- no bets).

[Gumlegs]

It's pointless to calculate probabilities if there isn't a favored outcome (ex. roulette table -- no bets).

Which is why I used the example I did. As far as science knows, evolution doesn't have a "favored" outcome.

But I'm glad to know I got the basic odds calculation right. Thanks.