Probability

simulations

In order to obtain the probability of various events, a simulation is often conducted. It allows us to represent the likelihood of a real-life event occurring by using an experiment with similar probabilities. • This method is used by researchers when it is difficult to collect experimental data or when the theoretical probability is unknown.

predictions

Probability can be used to make predictions for future occurrences by setting up and solving a proportion.

probability

Probability is the likelihood of an event happening and is expressed as a number between 0 and 1 .

relative frequency

Relative frequency is the total number of successful attempts divided by the total number of trials. It can be used to make predictions. As the number of trials increases, the relative frequency of an event will approach the theoretical probability.

simple probability

Simple probability is the ratio of successful outcomes to the total number of outcomes.

theoretical probability

The probability of an event happening based on the possible outcomes. This answers the question, "what should happen".

complement

The probability of the event NOT occurring is the complement. The probability of the event and it's complement has the sum of 1.

experimental probability

The ratio of the number of times an event occurs to the total number of trials. This answers the question, "what does happen".

sample space

The sample space describes all of the possible outcomes of an event. Sample space can be displayed with lists, tables, or tree diagrams to determine the probability of simple or compound events.

independent probability

When the outcome of one event does not impact the outcome of the second event, the events are called independent. • Independent probability can be determined by multiplying the probability of each event happening, or P(A and B) = P(A) * P (B)

dependent events

When the outcome of one event impacts the outcome of another, it is a dependent event. P(A and B) = P (A) * P (B after A)

random choice

a choice made without a reason

venn diagram

a diagram using two (or more) circles that shows how two (or more) sets are related

probability

a measure of the likelihood that an event will occur

null (empty) set

a set with no elements

two way table

a table with columns and rows recording the number of items belonging to different categories

outcome

one of the possibilities from a chance experiment

equally likely

same probability of occurring

sample space

set of all possible outcomes of an experiment

union (sets)

the combination of all elements from two or more sets

intersection (sets)

the elements that are common to two or more sets