Ctrl+k

Describe events as possible or impossible

An event is possible when it can occur under the stated conditions and impossible when no outcome can make it occur; the distinction depends on the available outcomes, not on whether an event is common or unlikely. This understanding applies to simple familiar situations and supports later reasoning about probability, while excluding numerical probabilities, likelihood comparisons, and compound events.

Detailed Explanation: Describe events as possible or impossible

An event is possible if it can happen. An event is impossible if it cannot happen because the needed outcome is not available.

Example: A box has red blocks and yellow blocks. There are no blue blocks.

  1. Look at the blocks that are in the box: red and yellow.
  2. Check the event: Pick a red block.
  3. A red block is in the box, so this event can happen. It is possible.
  4. Now check: Pick a blue block.
  5. There is no blue block in the box, so this event cannot happen. It is impossible.

To decide, ask: Is the outcome available? If it is, the event is possible. If it is not, the event is impossible.

Learn by doing: Describe events as possible or impossible

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

    Practice with unlimited practice problems

    Likelihood - One Die - How Likely Is This Event

      ?