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Title: Probability of Simple Events

Introduction: Probability is a branch of mathematics that deals with the likelihood of events occurring. It
allows us to quantify uncertainty and make predictions based on available information. Simple events
refer to events that have only one possible outcome or occurrence. In this set of notes, we will explore
the concept of probability for simple events and understand how to calculate and interpret probabilities.

1. Definition of Probability: Probability is a numerical measure that represents the likelihood of an


event occurring. It is always expressed as a value between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates
impossibility (the event will never happen), and 1 represents certainty (the event will always
happen).

2. Probability of a Simple Event: For a simple event, the probability of its occurrence can be
calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible
outcomes. The formula for calculating the probability of a simple event is as follows:

Probability (P) = Number of favorable outcomes / Total number of possible outcomes

3. Examples of Simple Events:

 Tossing a fair coin: The probability of getting heads is 1/2, as there is one favorable outcome
(heads) out of two possible outcomes (heads or tails).

 Rolling a standard six-sided die: The probability of rolling a 3 is 1/6, as there is one favorable
outcome (rolling a 3) out of six possible outcomes (numbers 1 to 6).

 Drawing a card from a well-shuffled deck: The probability of drawing a spade is 1/4, as there are
13 favorable outcomes (13 spades) out of 52 possible outcomes (52 cards in a deck).

4. Properties of Probability:

 The probability of an event always lies between 0 and 1.

 The sum of the probabilities of all possible outcomes in an event space is equal to 1.

 If the probability of an event is 0, it is impossible.

 If the probability of an event is 1, it is certain.

5. Mutually Exclusive Events: Two events are mutually exclusive if they cannot occur
simultaneously. For mutually exclusive events, the probability of either event occurring is equal
to the sum of their individual probabilities.

P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)

6. Independent Events: Two events are independent if the occurrence of one event does not affect
the probability of the other event. For independent events, the probability of both events
occurring is equal to the product of their individual probabilities.

P(A and B) = P(A) * P(B)


Conclusion: Understanding the probability of simple events is fundamental in various fields, including
statistics, economics, and science. By quantifying uncertainty, probability enables us to make informed
decisions and predictions based on available information. Remember to consider the number of
favorable outcomes and the total number of possible outcomes when calculating probabilities, and apply
the appropriate principles for mutually exclusive and independent events.

Title: Probability of Simple Events

Introduction: Probability is a branch of mathematics that deals with the likelihood of events occurring. It
allows us to quantify uncertainty and make predictions based on available information. Simple events
refer to events that have only one possible outcome or occurrence. In this set of notes, we will explore
the concept of probability for simple events and understand how to calculate and interpret probabilities.

4. Definition of Probability: Probability is a numerical measure that represents the likelihood of an


event occurring. It is always expressed as a value between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates
impossibility (the event will never happen), and 1 represents certainty (the event will always
happen).

5. Probability of a Simple Event: For a simple event, the probability of its occurrence can be
calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible
outcomes. The formula for calculating the probability of a simple event is as follows:

Probability (P) = Number of favorable outcomes / Total number of possible outcomes

6. Examples of Simple Events:

 Tossing a fair coin: The probability of getting heads is 1/2, as there is one favorable outcome
(heads) out of two possible outcomes (heads or tails).

 Rolling a standard six-sided die: The probability of rolling a 3 is 1/6, as there is one favorable
outcome (rolling a 3) out of six possible outcomes (numbers 1 to 6).

 Drawing a card from a well-shuffled deck: The probability of drawing a spade is 1/4, as there are
13 favorable outcomes (13 spades) out of 52 possible outcomes (52 cards in a deck).

5. Properties of Probability:

 The probability of an event always lies between 0 and 1.

 The sum of the probabilities of all possible outcomes in an event space is equal to 1.

 If the probability of an event is 0, it is impossible.

 If the probability of an event is 1, it is certain.

7. Mutually Exclusive Events: Two events are mutually exclusive if they cannot occur
simultaneously. For mutually exclusive events, the probability of either event occurring is equal
to the sum of their individual probabilities.

P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)


8. Independent Events: Two events are independent if the occurrence of one event does not affect
the probability of the other event. For independent events, the probability of both events
occurring is equal to the product of their individual probabilities.

P(A and B) = P(A) * P(B)

Conclusion: Understanding the probability of simple events is fundamental in various fields, including
statistics, economics, and science. By quantifying uncertainty, probability enables us to make informed
decisions and predictions based on available information. Remember to consider the number of
favorable outcomes and the total number of possible outcomes when calculating probabilities, and apply
the appropriate principles for mutually exclusive and independent events.

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