Year 11 - Maths
Comparing multiple representations to calculate conditional probabilities
Conditional probability
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils use their knowledge of calculating theoretical probabilities and extend it to calculate conditional probabilities.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare and contrast the usefulness of the different representations when calculating conditional probabilities.
Key Notes
- The same conditional probability can be found from multiple representations
- Each representation can be compared to see how conditional probabilities are calculated
- Information from one representation can be displayed in a different representation
- The preferred representation may change depending on the context
Vocabulary To Learn
- Probability: The probability that an event will occur is the proportion of times the event is expected to happen in a suitably large experiment.
- Probability tree: Each branch of a probability tree shows a possible outcome from an event or from a stage of a trial, along with the probability of that outcome happening.
- Independent events: Event A is independent of event B if the probability of event A occurring is not affected by whether or not event B occurs.
- Mutually exclusive: Mutually exclusive events have no outcomes in common.
- Venn diagram: Venn diagrams are a representation used to model statistical/probability questions. Commonly circles are used to represent events.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may think that only one type of diagram/table can be used to represent each probability problem and worry about choosing the correct one.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The same conditional probability can be found from multiple representations. Each representation can be compared to see how conditional probabilities are calculated.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Probability'
The probability that an event will occur is the proportion of times the event is expected to happen in a suitably large experiment. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may think that only one type of diagram/table can be used to represent each probability problem and worry about choosing the correct one. Correction: Emphasise that the same probability problem can often be represented using multiple diagrams or tables. In many cases, they will be able to find what they are looking for in any representation but it may be clearer to see in some more than others.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Advanced problem solving with conditional probability Study Guide
- Algebra in tree and Venn diagrams Study Guide
- Checking and securing calculating probabilities from diagrams Study Guide
- Checking and securing calculating probabilities from tables Study Guide
- Checking and securing displaying outcomes Study Guide
- Checking and securing exhaustive events Study Guide
- Combinations Study Guide
- Conditional probability in a tree diagram Study Guide
- Conditional probability in a two-way table Study Guide
- Conditional probability in a Venn diagram Study Guide
- Constructing three event Venn diagrams Study Guide
- Experimental probability Study Guide
- Experimental vs theoretical probability Study Guide
- Frequency trees Study Guide
- Probabilities in three event Venn diagrams Study Guide
- Probabilities involving algebra Study Guide
- Problem solving with conditional probability Study Guide
- Set notation Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Maths guide library.