Experimental probability is determined by conducting an experiment and observing the outcomes. Here's how to calculate it:
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Conduct the Experiment and Collect Data: Perform the experiment multiple times, and carefully record the results of each trial.
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Calculate the Total Number of Trials: Determine the total number of times you conducted the experiment. This is the total number of trials.
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Count the Number of Favorable Outcomes: Identify the specific outcome you're interested in (the "desired" outcome) and count how many times it occurred during your experiment.
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Calculate the Experimental Probability: Divide the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of trials.
- Formula: Experimental Probability = (Number of Favorable Outcomes) / (Total Number of Trials)
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Express as a Percentage (Optional): Multiply the probability by 100 to express it as a percentage.
Example:
Suppose you flip a coin 50 times and it lands on heads 28 times.
- Total number of trials: 50
- Number of favorable outcomes (heads): 28
- Experimental Probability of getting heads: 28/50 = 0.56
- Experimental Probability as a percentage: 0.56 * 100% = 56%
Therefore, the experimental probability of flipping heads in this experiment is 56%.
Key Considerations:
- More Trials, Better Accuracy: The more trials you conduct, the closer your experimental probability is likely to be to the theoretical probability (the probability based on mathematical calculations).
- Real-World Applications: Experimental probability is useful when theoretical probability is difficult or impossible to calculate, such as in predicting customer behavior or the effectiveness of a new drug.
In summary, finding experimental probability involves performing an experiment, recording the outcomes, and then calculating the ratio of desired outcomes to the total number of trials. This gives you an empirical estimate of the probability of an event.
