Simple and Compound Events - MathBitsNotebook(A2)

Simple & Compound Events
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Dealing with ONE "event" ...

Simple Event
(or single event)

A simple (or single) event is an event with a single outcome.

Simple Probabilities (with only one outcome (desired result)):
• The probability of rolling a 3 on a die. (1/6)
• The probability of drawing the ace of hearts from a deck of cards. (1/52)
• The probability of tossing a head with a penny. (1/2)
• The probability of rolling an even number less than 5 on a die. (2/6 = 1/3)

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Dealing with MORE THAN ONE "event" ...

Compound Event

A compound event is the combination of two or more simple events (with two or more outcomes).

	Compound Probabilities (with more than one outcome (desired result) within a trial ): • The probability of rolling an even number on a die, then tossing a head on a penny. (3/12 = 1/4) • The probability of tossing three pennies and getting at least 2 heads. (4/8 = 1/2) • The probability of drawing a heart from a deck of cards, replacing the card, then drawing a spade. (169/2704 = 1/16) • The probability of drawing a red ace from a deck of cards, not replacing the card, then drawing a black ace. (2/52 • 2/51 = 4/2652 = `1/663)
	Independent events: multiply the two probabilities Dependent events (one affects the other): multiply the probability of the first event times the probability of the next event after the first event has taken place.

Remember: When dealing with probability (especially compound probability), a tree diagram may be helpful to "see: what is happening.

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