STEM Excellence Series: Empowering the Next Generation

PROBABILITY

Probability

Definition Of Probability

Probability is a numerical measure of the likelihood of occurrence of an event. The value of probability lies between 0 and 1.

If all outcomes of an experiment are equally likely, then the probability is given by, Probability of an event =  example of Probability

Video Examples: Introduction to Probability

Example of Probability

The probability to pick a blue marble from a basket containing 10 blue marbles is 1.
Suppose you toss a fair coin. Then the probability of tossing a head or tail is 1/2

Solved Example on Probability

Ques: A basket contains 30 apples, 20 pears and 10 peaches. What is the probability that the first piece of fruit taken from the basket will be a peach?

Choices:

A. 1/3
B.1/2 
C.1/6 
D.1/5 
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: Total number of fruits in the basket = 30 + 20 + 10 = 60.
Step 2: Number of peaches in the basket = 10.
Step 3: The probability of taking a peach from the basket 10/60 =1/6 . [From the definition.]

Quick Summary

  • Probability measures the likelihood of an event.
  • Probability values range from 0 to 1.
  • Equally likely outcomes allow for simple probability calculation.
\[ P(event) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of possible outcomes}} \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use real-world examples like coin flips, dice rolls, and card draws to illustrate probability concepts. Emphasize the importance of identifying all possible outcomes and favorable outcomes.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Basic Arithmetic
  • Fractions

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: A bag contains 5 red marbles and 3 blue marbles. What is the probability of picking a blue marble?

Q2: If you roll a fair six-sided die, what is the probability of rolling a 4?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a probability of 0 mean?
A: A probability of 0 means the event is impossible and will never occur.

Q: What does a probability of 1 mean?
A: A probability of 1 means the event is certain and will always occur.

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