Probability • Topic 3 of 3

Simple Problems Based on Single Events

What is a Single Event?

A single event is one outcome or a set of outcomes from a single experiment. For example, rolling a die once and getting an even number is a single event.

Types of Events:

Event TypeDefinitionExample
**Compound Event**Two or more outcomes combinedRolling an odd number (1,3,5)
**Impossible Event**Cannot occurRolling a 7
**Certain Event**Will always occurRolling a number < 7

Basic Probability Formula:

\[

P(E) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of possible outcomes}}

\]

Key Properties:

  • 0 ≤ P(E) ≤ 1 for any event E
  • P(impossible event) = 0
  • P(certain event) = 1
  • Sum of probabilities of all elementary events = 1

Common Probability Problems:

ExperimentSample SpaceExample Event
Rolling a die{1,2,3,4,5,6}Getting a number > 4
Drawing a card52 cardsDrawing a heart
Spinning a spinnerEqual sectionsLanding on red
Complementary Events & Combined ExperimentsEvent EEvent EEvent E'(favourable)(not E)Combined Experiment: Die + CoinS = {(1,H),(1,T),(2,H),(2,T),(3,H),(3,T),(4,H),(4,T),(5,H),(5,T),(6,H),(6,T)}n(S) = 6 × 2 = 12P(odd and head) = P({1H,3H,5H}) = 3/12 = 1/4
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Worked Example

Solve a standard problem on Simple Problems Based on Single Events.

Solution

Apply the formula/method shown in the concept section above.

Key Points

  • Understand the definition and properties of Simple Problems Based on Single Events.
  • Study the worked examples and practice similar problems.
  • Always verify your answer using the original conditions.
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.The probability of getting a head on one coin toss is:
Explanation: $1/2$.
Q2.The probability of getting a $3$ on a die is:
Explanation: $1/6$.
Q3.The probability of an even number on a die is:
Explanation: $3/6=1/2$.
Q4.The probability of drawing a red card from a standard deck is:
Explanation: $26/52=1/2$.