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    Probability

    Probability is a measure of how likely it is for an event to take place. Probabilities are often denoted by a value ranging between 0 and 1, where 0 represents an impossible event, while 1 represents an event that will definitely happen. Therefore, in this context, the higher the degree of probability, the more likely the event is going to happen.

    Before the probability of an event can be computed/measured, the sample space, denoted by the sign Ω, represents the set of all possible outcomes of a random variable. Events in probability are usually denoted by a letter. So for a given set of outcomes, the event may be labeled ‘A’; for another given set of outcomes, the event may be labeled ‘B’. In light of this, an event, either ‘A’ or ‘B’ is a subset of the sample space.

    In probability, there are other symbols used to describe composite events. The ∪ sign in A ∪ B denotes the union of two events. So A ∪ B denotes a composite event that occurs if either A or B occurs, or they both occur. The ∩ sign in A ∩ B denotes the intersection of two events. So A ∩ B denotes a composite event that occurs if both A and B occur. The A’ sign denotes an event that cannot occur with A. But one of A’ and A must occur.

    These concepts are used widely in an ever expansive area of study, such as mathematics, statistics, epidemiology and even philosophy. Thus, understanding the concepts of probability may prove to be a practical tool for anyone.

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    BrainMass Categories within Probability

    Probability Density Function

    Solutions: 106

    Probability density function describes the probability of a random variable taking on a specific value.

    Cumulative Distribution Function

    Solutions: 22

    Cumulative distribution function refers to the probability of a random variable X, being found lower than a specific value.

    Central Limit Theorem

    Solutions: 102

    The Central Limit Theorem is a statistical theory which describes a situation where the mean of all samples from the same population will approximately equal the mean of the parent population, given that the sample size is large and that the variance is finite.

    Geometric Probability

    Solutions: 9

    Geometric Probability refers to the probability involving geometric objects under stated conditions.

    Bayesian Probablity

    Solutions: 54

    Bayesian probability refers to the probability of an event given a level of certainty of an external factor relating to that event.

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    10 Probability Problems in EXCEL

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    Connection between a rare genetic mutation and breast cancer

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    Expect to Win or Lose

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    Measuring Disease

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    African Lions, Normally Distributed

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    Normal Distribution and Birth Weights

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