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Theoretical Probability

This topic covers events and their theoretical probability ? How to find theoretical probability, and the difference between theoretical and experimental probability.

Topic: Finding Theoretical Probability

  • Theoretical probability is the probability that a certain outcome will occur, as determined through reasoning or calculation. However, it is not the actual probability. It is not based on historical data

  • Theoretical probability = Number of ways the event can occur / Total number of equally likely outcomes

Topic: Complement of an Event

  • The complement of any event  A is the event (not A), which means the event that A does not occur

  • The event A and its complement:(not A), form the only two possible outcomes of an experiment

  • The total probability of an event and its complement is 1 or 100%

  • To find the probability of an event’s complement, subtract the probability of the event from the total probability

Topic: Experimental and Theoretical Probability

  • Theoretical probability = Number of ways the event can occur / Total number of equally likely outcomes

  • Theoretical probability is the chance that some event will occur. It is based on known characteristics or facts. However, it is not the actual probability; it is not based on prior data

  • The actual probability is determined by the experimental probability

  • Experimental probability ≈ Number of times the event occurs / Total number of trials
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