Probability

Probability is a way to talk about how likely something is. Some things are certain, like the sun rising. Some things are impossible, like a pig flying. Most things are somewhere in between. Math helps us figure out the chance that something will happen.

Likely and Unlikely

When you flip a coin, you have two choices: heads or tails. Each side has the same chance. That means heads is as likely as tails. Rolling a 6 on a dice is less likely because there are six different numbers. Probability tells us which events are likely and which are not.

Where We Use It

Weather forecasters use probability to predict rain. A 90 percent chance of rain means rain is very likely. Doctors and scientists use probability to make choices. Game makers use it to make games fun and fair. Even sports teams use probability to plan.

Fun Facts

• The chance of flipping heads on a coin is 1 out of 2.
• Probability started as a way to study games and gambling.
• The chance of rolling two sixes on two dice is only 1 in 36.

Did You Know?

The word probability comes from a Latin word that means 'to test' or 'to prove'.