Chapter 4 - Probability and Odds

Prescribed Learning Outcomes:
F1 Analyze and interpret problems that involve probability.

Chapter 4 key ideas

• Define probability.
• Define and compare experimental probability and theoretical probability.
• Discuss how sample size affects probability.
• Describe how odds are different from probability.
• Calculate the probability and odds of various situations.

4.1 Experimental Probability

This section starts with a review of reducing fractions and changing between fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Please watch the review fractions, decimals and percents video and do page 144 #1 and page 146 #2.

Experimental probability is calculated based on the results of an experiment. The probability is equal to (the number of outcomes we are interested in) divided by (the total number of possible outcomes).

Please watch the experimental probability video and do page 148 #3-5, page 150 #6-8, and page 151 #1-6.

4.2 Theoretical Probability

Theoretical probability is based on what could happen, rather than an experiment. However, the probability is still equal to (the number of outcomes we are interested in) divided by (the total number of possible outcomes).

Please watch the theoretical probability video and do page 155 #1-3, page 158 #4-6, page 159 #7-8, and page 160 #1-6.

4.3 Odds and Probability

Odds and probability are related but they are not the same thing. Probability compares the outcomes we are interested in with the total number of outcomes but odds compares the outcomes we are interested in with the outcomes we are not interested in.

Please watch the odds and probability video and do page 164 #1-3, page 166 #4-6, page 168 #7-9, and page 169 #1-4.

Review for the test

Read the key ideas at the top of this page and ensure that you understand them all.

Mark all of your homework with the answer key in the classroom.

Complete and mark the practice test on page 171.