P - Experimental Probability Lesson

Experimental Probability

In this lesson, you will learn how to estimate the probability of an event by using experimental probability. Experimental probability is the ratio of the total number of times the favorable outcome occurs to the total number of trials, or times the experiment is performed. Experimental probability is helpful when you want to make predictions about something. It is important to note that the more trials you have (the more times you perform the experiment), the more accurate your prediction is likely to be. The experimental probability can be written as

equation image indicator $LaTeX: P\left(Event\right)=\frac{number\:of\:times\:event\:occurs}{total\:number\:of\:trials}$ $P\left(Event\right)=\frac{number\:of\:times\:event\:occurs}{total\:number\:of\:trials}$

Example

image of seven spinner Lucian used a spinner for his experiment. He created a table to display the results.

Number on spinner	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Times Landed	10	4	6	3	7	3	2

Based on the data, what is the probability that the spinner will land on 6 on the next spin?

1. Find the number of trials: 10 + 4 + 6 + 3 + 7 + 3 + 2=35

2. Find the number of times the event happened - The spinner landed on 6, 3 times

3. Write the probability as a fraction in simplest form. $LaTeX: P\left(6\right)=\frac{3}{35}$ $P\left(6\right)=\frac{3}{35}$ equation image indicator . The probability of the spinner landing on 6 the next spin is $LaTeX: \frac{3}{35}$ $\frac{3}{35}$ . This can be written as a decimal or a percent: .086 or 8.6%.

Example

image of basketball hoop text annotation indicator Courtney made 15 baskets out of 25 free throw attempts. What is the experimental probability that she will make her next shot? P (basket)

1. Find the number of trials – 25 (attempts)

2. Find the number of favorable events (baskets made) – 15

3. Write the probability as a fraction, decimal, and percent. $LaTeX: P\left(basket\right)=\frac{3}{5},\:0.60.\:60\%$ $P\left(basket\right)=\frac{3}{5},\:0.60.\:60\%$

Watch this video to see more examples of experimental probability.

Experimental Probability Practice

Find each experimental probability. Write your answer as a fraction, a decimal, and a percent.

Make sure to answer with this format: 1/4; 0.25; 25%

Experimental Probability Homework

Now that you have spent some time learning strategies for solving problems involving experimental probability, you are ready to complete your Probability: Experimental Probability Homework. Download your homework by CLICKING HERE. Links to an external site.

Once you have completed your homework, AND MAKE SURE YOU ATTEMPTED AND WORKED THE PROBLEMS OUT ON YOUR OWN, click here to download your homework key. Links to an external site.

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