Experiment

Definition

An experiment is a process or action carried out to observe and collect data about a particular outcome or event. In probability, it helps determine the likelihood of various outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Experiments can be repeated multiple times under the same conditions to gather consistent data.
2. The sample space of an experiment is the set of all possible outcomes.
3. Events are subsets of the sample space and can include one or more outcomes.
4. The probability of an event occurring is calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes in the sample space.
5. Independent experiments have outcomes that do not affect each other, while dependent experiments have outcomes that influence each other.

Review Questions

• What is the sample space in an experiment?
• How do you calculate the probability of an event occurring?
• What distinguishes independent experiments from dependent experiments?

Related terms

Sample Space: The set of all possible outcomes of an experiment.

Event: A subset of the sample space that includes one or more outcomes.

Probability: $\text{A measure quantifying the likelihood that events will occur, calculated as } P(E) = \frac{|E|}{|S|}$ where $E$ is an event and $S$ is the sample space.$