Year 11 - Maths
Combinations
Conditional probability
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Year 11 - Maths
Conditional probability
In this unit, pupils use their knowledge of calculating theoretical probabilities and extend it to calculate conditional probabilities.
You will learn to derive the product rule for counting, including when to divide by 2.
By systematically listing the outcomes for two or more events, a pattern begins to emerge. This pattern can be generalised so that counting possible outcome combinations is quicker.
A trial is a single, predefined test. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
Mistake: When using the product rule, pupils may be unsure whether they should divide the product by 2. Correction: Pay extra attention to the context of the problem. If the order of the two outcomes is irrelevant, then you should divide by two. If each of the two outcomes is allocated to a separate event (e.g. 1st and 2nd) then do not divide by 2.
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