What are the Chances?

Introduction

What words can you think of to describe the chances of something happening? For a hint, click here.

How else can you represent that mathematically?

What words, numbers would you put on the number line below? For an interactive version, click here.

Now write down six sentences related to probability. For example ‘the probability of it raining in May in Hong Kong’. For more examples, click here.

Where would you place these sentences on the number line?

Turn to your partner, do they agree with where you have placed your statements on the probability scale?

Does the whole class agree? Are there any probability statement that we find most difficult to place on the probability scale?

Game:

Your teacher/fellow classmate will now call out a probability statement at a time. Step forward if the probability of the event happening is greater than 0.5, take one step back if the probability is less than 0.5 and stay where they are if the probability of the event happening is exactly 0.5.

You are are knocked out if you get a question wrong. The last person standing wins!

Further Practice

Some of the essential skills introduced in this lesson are different words to describe probability. Practise these relevant skills on DrFrostMaths, CorbettMaths, MyiMaths and Eedi.

Desmos

Consolidate your understanding by having a go at this chance experiments on Desmos. In this activity, you will be deciding which result is more likely—red or blue in a spinner game.