Page 153 - Mathematics Coursebook

7.1 Simplifying fractions
16 Probability

!ere are aspects of uncertainty and chance in everybody’s life. Key words
Key words
Although it may not always be important to know whether the sun
will shine tomorrow, for example, it might matter very much if you Make sure you learn and
understand these key words:
are planning a big outdoor activity. likely
It would be useful to be able to work out how unlikely
likely it is that particular situations occur. certain
t Is it likely to rain? Should I take an umbrella? chance
t Will my team win their next match? even chance
t What is the chance of an earthquake? very unlikely
t What is the likelihood of having an accident very likely
on a particular road? probability
t If I throw two dice, will I score a double 6? probability scale
t Is it safe to go skiing? event
t Will I get caught if I don’t do my homework? outcome
t Will my train be late? equally likely
t What are my chances of getting a top exam grade? random
t Am I likely to live to be 100 years old? mutually exclusive
Working out the likelihood of something can be di"cult – but estimate

mathematics can help. experimental probability
Probability is the branch of maths that measures how likely it is theoretical probability
that something will happen.
You can use it to #nd the probability of a particular outcome of

an event.
In this unit you will learn how to calculate and use probabilities
in simple situations.

152 16 Probability