An event is described as likely when it is expected to happen and unlikely when it is not expected to happen, based on the possible outcomes of a familiar chance situation; an unlikely event can still occur. This is a qualitative comparison of chance, not a calculation of numerical probability or an analysis of exact ratios, sample spaces, or independent events.
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Detailed Explanation: Describe events as likely or unlikely informally
When we talk about chance:
- Likely means we expect something to happen.
- Unlikely means we do not expect it to happen.
- An unlikely event can still happen.
Example:
A bag has many blue blocks and only one red block. You close your eyes and pick one block.
- Think about what is in the bag. There are many blue blocks, so picking blue is expected.
- Say: Picking a blue block is likely.
- There is only one red block, so picking red is not expected.
- Say: Picking a red block is unlikely.
- Remember: Unlikely does not mean impossible. You could still pick the red block.
So, we describe an event by asking: Do I expect it to happen, or do I not expect it to happen?
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Likelihood - Bag - Likely Or Unlikely
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This Worksheet Includes:
- Likelihood - Bag - Likely Or Unlikely
- Likelihood - Spinner - Likely Or Unlikely
- Likelihood - One Die - Likely Or Unlikely
- Likelihood - Bag - Which Event Matches This Likelihood
- Likelihood - One Die - Which Event Matches This Likelihood
- Likelihood - Bag - Is This Likelihood Correct
- Likelihood - One Die - Is This Likelihood Correct
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