What is Probability? (GMAT/GRE/CAT/Bank PO/SSC CGL) | Don't Memorise
Infinity Learn NEET・2 minutes read
Probability is the likelihood of an event occurring, calculated as the number of ways the event can occur over the total possible events, with probabilities ranging from 0 to 1. Examples include the toss of a fair coin with a probability of 50% for each outcome, or rolling a fair die with a 1/6 chance of landing on a specific number.
Insights
- Probability measures the chance of an event happening, ranging from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain). It is calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total possible outcomes, always falling between 0 and 1.
- Common examples of probability calculations include coin tosses, die rolls, and card picking, where the likelihood of specific outcomes can be quantified using fractions or percentages. These examples are foundational in understanding probability and are frequently encountered in educational assessments.
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Recent questions
What is probability?
Likelihood of event occurring between 0 and 1.
How is probability calculated?
Number of ways event can occur over total events.
What are examples of probability calculations?
Coin toss, die roll, card picking scenarios.
What is the probability of picking a jack from a deck of cards?
4/52 or 1/13.
How is probability used in exams?
Commonly tested through various scenarios and calculations.
Related videos
Summary
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Understanding Probability in Simple Terms
- Probability is the likelihood of an event occurring, with a probability of 0 indicating impossibility and a probability of 1 indicating certainty. The probability of an event occurring is calculated by the number of ways the event can occur over the total number of possible events, with probabilities always falling between 0 and 1.
- Examples of probability calculations include the toss of a fair coin, where the probability of landing a head is 1/2 or 50%, and the probability of landing a tail is also 1/2 or 50%. Similarly, when rolling a fair die, the probability of landing a 3 is 1/6, and the probability of landing an odd number is 3/6 or 50%.
- In the case of a pack of 52 cards, the probability of picking a jack is 4/52, and the probability of picking a face card (jack, queen, or king) is 12/52. These examples are common in exams and will be further explored in upcoming sessions.
