Calculating theoretical probabilities from lists (one event)
I can find theoretical probabilities from a list of possible outcomes for one event.
Calculating theoretical probabilities from lists (one event)
I can find theoretical probabilities from a list of possible outcomes for one event.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The probability of an outcome can be found by considering the list of all possible outcomes.
- The probability of a set of outcomes can be found by considering the list of all possible outcomes.
- A list of all possible outcomes can help us find a probability, even when the outcomes are not equally likely.
Keywords
Theoretical probabilities - A theoretical probability is a probability based on counting the number of desired outcomes from a sample space where all individual outcomes are equally likely.
Common misconception
Pupils may assume that theoretical probabilities can be also found in cases where individual outcomes are not equally likely (e.g. picking a sweet out of a box where the sweets are different shapes).
If the sweets in a box are different shapes then picking a sweet out of the box is not necessarily random. Someone could find their favourite flavour sweet by feeling the different shapes.
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Calculating theoretical probabilities from lists (one event), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Calculating theoretical probabilities from lists (one event), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Probability: theoretical probabilities unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
