Example 1: Late for school
A student was late for school on \(4\) days out of \(20\) school days. Estimate the probability that the student will be late tomorrow.
Solution
\[
\text{Experimental probability}=\frac{4}{20}=\frac{1}{5}.
\]
The estimated probability is
\[
\frac{1}{5}.
\]
Example 2: Rainy days
In the last \(30\) days, it rained on \(12\) days. Estimate the probability that it will rain tomorrow.
Solution
\[
\text{Experimental probability}=\frac{12}{30}=\frac{2}{5}.
\]
The estimated probability is
\[
\frac{2}{5}.
\]
Example 3: Traffic lights
Over \(50\) journeys, a driver had to stop at a traffic light \(32\) times. Estimate the probability that the driver will have to stop next time.
Solution
\[
\text{Experimental probability}=\frac{32}{50}=\frac{16}{25}.
\]
The estimated probability is
\[
\frac{16}{25}.
\]
Example 4: Not snowing
In the last \(40\) winter days, it snowed on \(6\) days. Estimate the probability that it will not snow tomorrow.
Solution
Probability of snow:
\[
\frac{6}{40}=\frac{3}{20}.
\]
Probability of not snowing:
\[
1-\frac{3}{20}=\frac{17}{20}.
\]
The estimated probability is
\[
\frac{17}{20}.
\]