Probability
Objective:
5.4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of probability
5.4.1.1 Use dice to assign roles and discuss fairness of games
5.4.1.2 Use probability games and identify all possible outcomes
5.4.1.3 Connect real life statements with probability concepts
5.4.1.4 Predict probability in simple experiments
5.4.1.5 Use fractions to describe probability
What is Probability?
Probability is the chance that something will happen.
It tells us how likely an event is to occur.
Probability = Number of successful outcomes ÷ Total number of possible outcomes
1. Using Dice to Assign Roles (Fairness of Games):
A die (singular of dice) has 6 sides, numbered 1 to 6.
If everyone has an equal chance of getting any number, the game is fair.
Example:
If you roll a die to decide who goes first in a game, each person has a 1 in 6 chance (or 1/6) of being
chosen.
2. Probability Games and Possible Outcomes:
When you play a game involving chance (like spinning a spinner or tossing a coin), you can list all the
possible outcomes.
Example (coin toss):
Possible outcomes: Head, Tail
Total outcomes: 2
Probability of getting Head = 1/2
Probability of getting Tail = 1/2
Example (rolling a die):
Possible outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Probability of rolling a 4 = 1/6
3. Real Life Example of Probability Concepts:
Let’s say a teacher randomly picks 1 student from a group of 5.
You are 1 person out of 5.
Your chance of being picked = 1 out of 5 = 1/5
4. Predicting Probability in Simple Experiments:
Simple experiments are actions where we can easily see the possible results.
Example:
If you pick one marble from a bag with:
3 red, 2 blue, and 5 green marbles (10 total),
Probability of picking red = 3/10
Probability of picking green = 5/10
Probability of picking blue = 2/10
5. Using Fractions to Describe Probability:
Probability is often written as a fraction:
If something is certain to happen: Probability = 1
If something is impossible: Probability = 0
If something has some chance of happening, it lies between 0 and 1
Exercise:
1. List all possible outcomes when: a) You roll a die
b) You toss two coins
2. A bag contains 2 red balls, 3 yellow balls, and 5 green balls. Find the probability of picking: a) A red
ball
b) A green ball
c) A yellow ball
3. Write the probability as a fraction: a) Getting a tail when tossing a coin
b) Getting a 5 when rolling a die
4. Real life: If there are 4 people and 1 prize, what is the probability that you win?
