Probability
Probability is a crucial component of both mathematics and its applications in various fields. This section delves into the theoretical approach to probability, using models like coin tossing and die rolling to explain key concepts. The definitions of probability are outlined:
Key Concepts:
- Equally Likely Outcomes: The outcomes of an experiment where each has the same likelihood of occurring, e.g., flipping a fair coin or tossing a fair die.
- Theoretical Probability: The probability calculated based on the assumption of equally likely outcomes, defined as:
\[ P(E) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes to event } E}{\text{Total number of possible outcomes}} \]
- Experimental Probability: Based on the actual outcomes from experiments.
- Elementary Event: An event consisting of a single outcome.
- Complementary Events: For any event E, the event 'not E' occurs when E does not occur, satisfying \[ P(E) + P(E') = 1 \].
The section also emphasizes significant points such as the properties of certain and impossible events, and how understanding probability is essential for decision-making processes in various fields like finance, healthcare, and engineering.