probability

(noun)

A number, between zero and one, expressing the precise likelihood of an event happening.

Related Terms

  • golden ratio
  • equiprobable

Examples of probability in the following topics:

  • Experimental Probabilities

    • Experimental probability contrasts theoretical probability, which is what we would expect to happen.
    • If we conduct a greater number of trials, it often happens that the experimental probability becomes closer to the theoretical probability.
    • In statistical terms, the empirical probability is an estimate of a probability.
    • An advantage of estimating probabilities using empirical probabilities is that this procedure includes few assumptions.
    • Intuitively we know that the probability of landing on any number should be equal to the probability of landing on the next.
  • Theoretical Probability

    • Probability theory uses logic and mathematical reasoning, rather than experimental data, to determine probable outcomes.
    • Mathematically, probability theory formulates incomplete knowledge pertaining to the likelihood of an event.
    • As such, the meteorologist's 60% verdict is a theoretical probability, and not the result of any proven experiment.
    • For example, the probability of rolling any specific number on a six-sided die is one out of six: there are six, equally probable sides to land on, and each side is distinct from the others.
    • This is a theoretical probability; testing by rolling the die many times and recording the results would result in an experimental probability.
  • Division of Complex Numbers

    • You are probably already familiar with this concept for ordinary real numbers: dividing by $2$ is the same as multiplying by $\frac12$, dividing by 3 is the same as multiplying by $\frac13$, and so on.
  • What is an Equation?

    • You have probably already guessed that the only possible value of $x$ is 2, because you know that $2 + 3 = 5$ is a true equation.
  • Circles as Conic Sections

    • You probably know how to find the area and the circumference of a circle, given its radius.
  • Polynomial and Rational Functions as Models

    • Of course, this is only possible if the two quantities are related: How many uncles a kid has got has probably nothing to do with how far they can jump.
  • Permutations

    • In many calculators, the factorial option is located under the "probability" menu for this reason.
  • Common Bases of Logarithms

    • The prime number theorem states that for large enough N, the probability that a random integer not greater than N is prime is very close to $\frac {1} {log(N)}$.
  • Rational Algebraic Expressions

    • You could probably find the least common denominator if you played around with the numbers long enough.
Subjects
  • Accounting
  • Algebra
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Calculus
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Writing

Except where noted, content and user contributions on this site are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 with attribution required.