Sample Space in Probability

In this lesson, we will learn simple probability, experiments, outcomes, sample space and probabilty of an event.

Related Topics:
More lessons on Probability

In the study of probability, an experiment is a process or investigation from which results are observed or recorded.

An outcome is a possible result of an experiment.

A sample space is the set of all possible outcomes in the experiment. It is usually denoted by the letter S . Sample space can be written using the set notation, { }.

Experiment 1 : Tossing a coin

Possible outcomes are head or tail.

Sample space, S = {head, tail}.

Experiment 2: Tossing a die

Possible outcomes are the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Sample space, S = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}.

Experiment 3: Picking a card

In an experiment, a card is picked from a stack of six cards, which spell the word PASCAL.

Possible outcomes are P, A ₁, S, C, A ₂ and L.

Sample space, S = {P, A ₁, S, C, A ₂ L}. There are 2 cards with the letter ‘A’

Experiment 4 : Picking 2 marbles, one at a time, from a bag that contains many blue and red marbles.

Possible outcomes are: (Blue, Blue), (Blue, Red), (Red, Blue) and (Red, Red).

Sample space, S = {(B,B), (B,R), (R,B), (R,R)}.

Videos

A simple explanation of Sample Spaces for Probability.

Sample Space of an Event

This lesson is on finding simple probabilities and sample spaces

The following video explains simple probability, experiments, outcomes, sample space and probabilty of an event. It also gives an example of a simple probabilty problem.

Lists and Sample Spaces - Probability

Explains three methods for listing the sample space of an event and introduces conditional probability. List, Table, Tree Diagram

Related Topics: Other lessons on Probability