Explanation

This problem utilizes the fundamental counting principle, which states that the total number of choices is equal to the product of the independent choices. For the first flip, there are 2 options: heads or tails.

Similarly, for the second flip, there 2 options; for the third, there are 2 options; for the fourth, there are 2 options; and for the fifth there is only one option because the problem restricts this final flip to heads. Therefore, the total number of outcomes is (2)(2)(2)(2)(1) = 16. A good rephrasing of this question is, “How many different outcomes are
there if the coin is flipped 4 times?” The fifth flip, having been restricted to heads, is irrelevant.

Therefore, the total number of ways to flip the coin five times with heads for the fifth flip is equal to the total number of ways to flip the coin four times; either way, the answer is 16.
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Sandy
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