Simple Probabilities

Probability is the chance of something to happen.

A very good example for is when you toss a coin. When a coin is tossed, you either get a tail or a head.  In short, you have two possible outcomes. So the possibility of you tossing a tail is 1 in 2 or ½. The same is true with tossing a head that is also 1 in 2 or 1/2.

It would then be safe to say that the formula of probability is this:

        = Number of ways it can happen
             Total number of outcomes

Example:

1. There are 6 bars of chocolate in a box. 4 are white chocolates and 2 are dark chocolates. What is the probability of picking a white chocolate?

   Solution:
   There are 6 total bars of chocolates.
   There are only 4 white chocolates.
   = 4/6
   = 0.67

 

2. There are 3 plates in the dishwasher. 1 is a round shaped and the other 2 are square shaped. What is the probability of getting a round plate?

   Solution:
   There are 3 plates.
   There is only 1 round plate.
   = 1/3
   = 0.33
   
   

3. You have 5 pairs of socks in the drawer. 3 of the pairs are knee length and 2 are ankle length. What is the probability that a knee length pair will be picked?

Solution:
There are 5 pairs of socks.
There are 3 pairs of knee length socks.
= 3/5
= 0.6


4. In the kitchen drawer, there are 10 utensils. 4 spoons, 3 forks and 3 knives. What is the probability that a spoon is picked?
   
   Solution:
   There are 10 utensils.
   There are 4 spoons.
   = 4/10
   = 0.4
   
   

5. In an animal adoption center, a pet dog just gave birth to 10 cute little puppies. 6 with black spots and 4 without spots. What is the probability that a puppy with black spots will be selected?
   
   Solution:
   There are 10 puppies.
   6 puppies have black spots
   = 6/10
   = 0.6
   
   

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