Probability | Year 7 Mathematics IGCSE (Cambridge) - Class 7 PDF Download

Basic Probability Concepts

Probability is a way of measuring the likelihood of an event happening. In simple terms, it tells us how likely something is to occur.

• Probability Scale: Probabilities range from 0 to 1, where 0 means the event will not happen at all (impossible), and 1 means the event is certain to happen.
• Probability of an Event: Calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes.

Calculating Probabilities

Calculating probabilities involves understanding how likely different outcomes are in relation to the total number of outcomes.

• Example 1: Coin Toss
  • Event: Tossing a coin and getting heads.
  • Possible Outcomes: Heads (1), Tails (1)
  • Probability Calculation: Probability of getting heads = Number of favorable outcomes (1) / Total outcomes (2) = 1/2 or 0.5
• Example 2: Rolling Dice
  • Event: Rolling a standard six-sided die and getting a 4.
  • Possible Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Probability Calculation: Probability of rolling a 4 = Number of favorable outcomes (1) / Total outcomes (6) = 1/6 or approximately 0.167

Understanding Probability in Everyday Situations

Probability helps us understand and predict outcomes in real-life scenarios:

• Weather Forecasts: Predicting the probability of rain or sunshine.
• Sports: Predicting the likelihood of a team winning based on past performance.
• Games: Calculating the chances of winning a game based on strategies and luck.

Conclusion

Probability is a fundamental concept in mathematics and everyday life. By understanding probability, we can make informed decisions and predictions about the likelihood of events happening.