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Math
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Intuitive
Idea of Probability |
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We use ratios
to show how likely, or unlikely, an outcome might be. This
ratio is called the probability.
For example,
the ratio 45/100 represents the number of heads which appeared when
a penny was tossed out of 100 tosses. This ratio is the
probability that the toss was heads. |
Our ratio for
probability can be thought of as:
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Consider:
Ratios are most often expressed in the form of a fraction.
Fractions, however, can also be expressed as decimals or
percents. So probabilities may be expressed as fractions,
decimals or percents. |
As the chart above
shows, probabilities range from 0 to 1. If an event is impossible
and will never occur, the probability is 0. If an event is
absolutely certain to occur, the probability is 1. Otherwise, the
value of a probability is between 0 and 1.
While probability
was originally developed to deal with gaming techniques, it is used today
in a wide range of applications. Even common sayings reflect the
concept of probability:
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Someone may say "Don't hold your breath" when you are waiting
for something to happen. What is the person implying about
the probability? |
This
statement implies that you may die holding your breath waiting for this
event to occur. Obviously, the probability of the event is extremely
low, if not impossible.
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