What is homelessness?

Probability.

In math, this is the likelihood that something will happen. It is written as a number between zero and one. Some things are certain, like the sun rising every morning. Other things, like growing a third ear, are impossible. Still other things, like flipping a coin and getting heads, are equally likely and unlikely.

Look at the examples below to make sense of the mathematical notation for probability. We can write probabilities in fraction, decimal, or percent form.

Examples and Notation

Probability of the sun rising = P (sun rising) = 1 = 100%

Probability of growing a third ear = P (growing a third ear) = 0 = 0%

Probability of getting heads on a coin toss = P (heads) = 1/2 = 0.5 = 50%

How might probability help us to quantify homelessness?

Here are some numerical facts about homelessness. Pay attention to probability as you explore these slides.