Likelihood describes how possible an event is, using terms such as impossible, unlikely, equally likely, likely, and certain, based on the possible outcomes of a chance situation. The learner compares events qualitatively—for example, distinguishing an event that cannot occur from one that must occur and recognizing when outcomes have the same chance—without calculating numerical probabilities or using formal probability measures.
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Detailed Explanation: Describe likelihood using words
Likelihood tells us how possible an event is.
Use these words:
- Impossible: It cannot happen.
- Unlikely: It could happen, but it does not have much chance.
- Equally likely: Two outcomes have the same chance.
- Likely: It has a good chance of happening.
- Certain: It must happen.
Example: A spinner has 6 equal sections. Four sections are red, and two sections are blue.
Suppose we spin it once.
-
Landing on green is impossible.
There are no green sections, so it cannot happen. -
Landing on red is likely.
There are more red sections than blue sections, so red has a better chance. -
Landing on blue is unlikely.
Blue can happen, but there are fewer blue sections. -
Landing on section 1 and landing on section 2 are equally likely.
Each section is the same size, so the spinner has the same chance of landing on either one. -
Landing on red or blue is certain.
Every section is either red or blue, so one of these colors must happen.
To describe likelihood, look at the possible outcomes and compare how often each one can occur.
Learn by doing: Describe likelihood using words
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Likelihood - Spinner - How Likely Is This Event
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Download/Modify Free Grade 3 'Describe likelihood using words' Worksheet
Print this free 'Describe likelihood using words' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Likelihood - Spinner - How Likely Is This Event
- Likelihood - Bag - How Likely Is This Event
- Likelihood - One Die - How Likely Is This Event
- Likelihood - Two Dice - How Likely Is This Event
- Likelihood - Spinner - Which Event Matches This Likelihood
- Likelihood - Spinner - Is This Likelihood Correct
- Likelihood - Spinner - Likely Or Unlikely
- Likelihood - Bag - Which Event Matches This Likelihood
Units Teaching This Skill
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