Simple Probability Experiments
Probability is all about figuring out how likely something is to happen. It helps us make good guesses about what might happen next!
Probability means how likely something is to happen.
Things We Use in Probability Experiments
- Coins - When we flip a coin, it can land on heads or tails.
- Dice - When we roll a die, it can land on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
- Spinners - When we spin a spinner, it can land on different colored sections.
Important Words to Know
Outcome: What happens after we flip, roll, or spin.
Likely: Something that will probably happen.
Unlikely: Something that probably won't happen.
Certain: Something that will definitely happen.
Impossible: Something that can never happen.
How We Talk About Probability
We can describe probability using words:
- Impossible (will never happen)
- Unlikely (probably won't happen)
- Equally likely (has the same chance as something else)
- Likely (probably will happen)
- Certain (will definitely happen)
Fair and Unfair
A fair game or experiment means everyone has the same chance of winning.
An unfair game or experiment means some people have a better chance of winning than others.
For example, a coin is fair because heads and tails have the same chance. But a spinner with more red than blue is unfair because red has a better chance.
The more times we do an experiment (like flipping a coin many times), the better we can see what's likely to happen!