Year 11 - Maths
Problem solving with conditional probability
Conditional probability
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Study Guides
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 use your knowledge of conditional probability to solve problems.
Key Notes
- Probabilities may appear in unfamiliar contexts
- Probabilities may require a strong knowledge of converting between fractions, decimals and percentages
- Selecting an appropriate and efficient method for solving the problem comes from evaluating methods
- A clear, logical, structured argument is much easier to follow and understand
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.
- Exhaustive events: A set of events are exhaustive if at least one of them has to occur whenever the experiment is carried out.
- 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 represent probabilities in the wrong position on the probability scale by miscounting the number of intervals required.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Probabilities may appear in unfamiliar contexts. Probabilities may require a strong knowledge of converting between fractions, decimals and percentages.
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 represent probabilities in the wrong position on the probability scale by miscounting the number of intervals required. Correction: Before using any probability scale, it can be helpful to make a note of the sizes for each major and minor interval.
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
- Comparing multiple representations to calculate conditional probabilities 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
- Set notation Study Guide
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