What Is Probability?
There is no way to know for sure if a certain card will show up or we will roll a number on a die. Using math probability, you can see how likely an outcome may be. A very simple way to look at probability is to figure out the number of ways something can happen. Then, divide that amount by the total number of outcomes.
Take the earlier die example. You may roll one die with faces numbered one through six. You need to roll a four in order to land your piece at home and win the game! Only landing with the four facing up will achieve the outcome you want. There are six faces on the die. That means the probability of getting the winning roll is 1 in 6, or 1/6.
All probability events occur on a number line between zero and one. Zero probability means an event is impossible. (You can’t roll two numbers on a die at the same time!) Probability of one means an event is certain. We can write events as percentages between 0% and 100%.
What Is Probability?
Besides using probability in games, it also plays parts in real life. A very simple example is flipping a coin to determine something. Each person or team involved in the outcome should have a 50% chance of seeing their choice turn up. You may flip a coin with a sibling to determine who has to wash the dinner dishes. Each of you has an equal chance of having to do the chore!
Researchers can use probability when looking at whether a new drug or treatment is better than standard care. They may choose people in a sample group to either receive or not receive treatment. No one is supposed to know who is in each group. When the test is over, the results should show how well the remedy worked. The sampling of people can show how probable the new treatment is to work on most people.
What Is Probability?
Lotteries are another example of how we use probability. You may enter a lottery to win special seats for a concert. Or your family may enter a drawing to see who wins a basket of special treats at the local community center. The chances of winning in each of these situations are determined by how many people enter. If you are one of five to enter, your probability of winning is 1/5 or 20%. You might decide the chances are good enough to play if the probability is high!
What Is Probability?
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