
5b4. Probability

When an action is performed, an outcome of that action results. But if the action performed may give more than one result, the prediction of the exact result becomes difficult.

For example, if a die is thrown then one of the six faces of the die will appear on the top and so there will be six possible outcomes. Probability is the study of uncertain results. If a coin is tossed there are two possibilities, either a head will come or a tail.

Thus, probability of occurrence of a head in a single toss is .


1. If one card is drawn at random from a pack of 52 regular playing cards, what is the probability of getting an Ace or a Jack?

Solution: Probability of getting an Ace (p1) = 4/52 = 1/13
(As there are 4 aces)  

Probability of getting a Jack (p2) = 4/52 = 1/13 (As there are 4 Jacks)
