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Mathematics · Ch 9 — Probability

Odds

9.5

Odds

Odds compare the two complementary probabilities of an event directly, as a ratio of favourable to unfavourable outcomes rather than as a fraction of the total. If a sample space has nn equally likely outcomes, mm of which favour event AA, then P(A)=m/nP(A)=m/n and P(A′)=(n−m)/nP(A')=(n-m)/n. The odds in favour of AA are the ratio of favourable to unfavourable outcomes, m:(n−m)m:(n-m), equivalently P(A):P(A′)P(A):P(A'). The odds against AA are the reverse ratio, unfavourable to favourable, (n−m):m(n-m):m, equivalently P(A′):P(A)P(A'):P(A). …

Misc Ex1Odds in favour of a perfect square on a fair die

Worked out. Counts favourable and unfavourable outcomes for the event 'die shows a perfect square' and expresses the ratio as odds in favour. Working through this worked example after reading the theory above helps consolidate the method before attempting the exercise questions that follow it in the textbook. …

Misc Ex2Finding P(A) and P(B) from a relationship between their odds against

Worked out. Given P(A) equals the square of P(B), and the odds against A equal the cube of the odds against B, solves the resulting equation for P(B) and then P(A). …