A table organizes the sample space for a two-step or two-category chance experiment by pairing each possible outcome from one stage with each possible outcome from the other, making outcomes visible and countable. Each cell represents one complete outcome; learners distinguish ordered outcomes when order matters and use the table to determine the total number of outcomes and simple probabilities, without extending to conditional probability or more advanced sample-space structures.
A table can show every possible outcome in a two-step chance experiment. Put the outcomes from one step along the rows and the outcomes from the other step along the columns. Each cell is one complete outcome.
Example: A fair spinner has three equal sections: red, blue, and green. Then a fair coin is flipped.
| Spinner result | Heads | Tails |
|---|---|---|
| Red | red and heads | red and tails |
| Blue | blue and heads | blue and tails |
| Green | green and heads | green and tails |
The table has one cell for every possible pair of results. Since there are spinner results and coin results, there are
possible outcomes.
What is the probability of getting blue and tails?
Only one cell shows blue and tails. There are equally likely outcomes altogether, so
The table makes sure no possible outcome is missed and helps you count the outcomes easily.
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
Earned ?