Experimental Probability

Experimental probability is the probability of an event occurring based on experimental results from a series of trials or experiments. It is calculated by performing the experiment and recording the outcomes, then determining the probability based on the observed results.

Calculating Experimental Probability

To calculate the experimental probability of an event, you can use the following formula:

Experimental Probability = Number of favorable outcomes / Total number of outcomes

For example, if you toss a coin 20 times and it lands on heads 14 times, the experimental probability of getting heads is:

Experimental Probability = 14 / 20 = 0.7

Study Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding and calculating experimental probability:

Perform the Experiment: Conduct the experiment or series of trials to gather data on the outcomes of the event.
Record the Outcomes: Keep track of the number of favorable outcomes (the event of interest) and the total number of outcomes.
Calculate the Experimental Probability: Use the formula to determine the experimental probability by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of outcomes.
Interpret the Results: Analyze the experimental probability to understand the likelihood of the event occurring based on the experimental data.

Example Problems

Here are some example problems to practice calculating experimental probability:

Problem 1: If a six-sided die is rolled 50 times and it lands on a 3, 12 times, what is the experimental probability of rolling a 3?
Problem 2: A spinner is divided into 8 equal sections, with 3 sections labeled "win". If the spinner is spun 40 times and lands on "win" 15 times, what is the experimental probability of winning?

By following the steps and practicing with example problems, you can become proficient in calculating experimental probability.

◂Math Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. Probability

The resources above cover the following skills:

Number and Operations (NCTM)

Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.

Develop understanding of fractions as parts of unit wholes, as parts of a collection, as locations on number lines, and as divisions of whole numbers.

Algebra (NCTM)

Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships.

Model problem situations with objects and use representations such as graphs, tables, and equations to draw conclusions.

Data Analysis and Probability (NCTM)

Understand and apply basic concepts of probability.

Describe events as likely or unlikely and discuss the degree of likelihood using such words as certain, equally likely, and impossible.

Understand that the measure of the likelihood of an event can be represented by a number from 0 to 1.

Connections to the Grade 4 Focal Points (NCTM)

Number and Operations: Building on their work in grade 3, students extend their understanding of place value and ways of representing numbers to 100,000 in various contexts. They use estimation in determining the relative sizes of amounts or distances. Students develop understandings of strategies for multi-digit division by using models that represent division as the inverse of multiplication, as partitioning, or as successive subtraction. By working with decimals, students extend their ability to recognize equivalent fractions. Students' earlier work in grade 3 with models of fractions and multiplication and division facts supports their understanding of techniques for generating equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions.

Experimental Probability

Calculating Experimental Probability

Study Guide

Example Problems

[Experimental Probability] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

◂Math Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. Probability

The resources above cover the following skills: