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GCSE Maths Probability

Describing Probability

Describing Probability

Here we will learn about describing probability, including describing probability using words, recognising the likelihood of an event and placing events on a probability scale.

There are also describing probability worksheets based on Edexcel, AQA and OCR exam questions, along with further guidance on where to go next if you’re still stuck.

What is describing probability?

Describing probability is when we make judgements as to whether an event will take place. To do this we use words to describe how probable the event is.

For example,

We may say that it is likely to rain tomorrow, or that it is impossible for the sun not to rise.

Some other common words used to describe the probability of an event happening include; certain, very likely, even chance, unlikely and very unlikely.These words can be placed on a probability scale starting at 0 (impossible) and ending at 1 (certain).

Describing Probability image 1

What is describing probability?

What is describing probability?

Probability scale

The probability scale is used to represent probabilities on a number line from 0 to 1. In maths, we more often than not use numbers to describe probabilities. Hence, the probability scale starts at 0 (impossible) and ends at 1 (certain).

You could also be asked to place events on a probability scale. To do this you need to consider the words suitable to describe the probability of the event happening, or the number which would represent the chance of the event happening.

For example,

Describing Probability image 2

Step-by-step guide: Probability scale

Probability symbol

Probability symbols are used to write mathematical statements describing probability. These symbols allow us to shorten a mathematical statement to make it more clear and concise. These symbols will also be seen in set notation when using Venn diagrams to represent information.

For example,

Here are the key set notation used in probability, along with their descriptions.

Describing Probability image 3

Step-by-step guide: Probability symbol

Probability notation

In maths we use some common probability notation in addition to standard mathematical notation and symbols. We use set notation as an efficient way of writing the probability of events happening or not happening. Events are notated using capital letters, as well as the use of some greek letters.

For example,

Probability, P(A) refers to the probability that an event, event A in this case, will occur.

Probability, P(B^{\prime}) refers to the probability that an event, event B in this case, will not occur.

Probability, P(A \cup B) refers to the probability of event A or event B happening or both.

Probability, P(A \cap B) refers to the probability of event A and B happening.

Step-by-step guide: Probability notation

How to describe probability in words

In order to describe probability in words:

  1. Consider whether the event you are trying to describe will definitely happen or not happen.
  2. Consider the likeliness of the event happening.
  3. Choose an appropriate word from the list to describe the probability.

Explain how to describe probability in words

Explain how to describe probability in words

Describing probability worksheet

Get your free describing probability worksheet of 20+ questions and answers. Includes reasoning and applied questions.

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Describing probability worksheet

Get your free describing probability worksheet of 20+ questions and answers. Includes reasoning and applied questions.

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Describing probability in words examples

Example 1: describing probability in words

Describe the likelihood that a newborn baby is a boy.

  1. Consider whether the event you are trying to describe will definitely happen or not happen.

A newborn baby being a boy could happen, so we cannot describe it as impossible

A newborn baby can be a boy or a girl, so we cannot describe it as certain.

2Consider the likeliness of the event happening.

A newborn baby can be a boy or a girl. There are two possible options, both have a 50\% chance of happening.

3Choose an appropriate word from the list to describe the probability.

Two equally likely possible outcomes means we can say that there is an even chance that a newborn baby is a boy.

Example 2: describing probability in words

Describe the likelihood that a number less than 7 will be scored when an ordinary six-sided dice is rolled once. 

Describing Probability example 2 image 1

An ordinary six-sided dice will have the numbers 1 to 6 on its faces. Scoring a 7 on an ordinary six-sided dice will definitely not happen.

In this instance, we can ignore step 2. We do not need to consider the likelihood of this event further, it cannot happen.

Scoring a 7 on an ordinary six-sided dice cannot happen. 


We can say that it is impossible to score a 7 on an ordinary six-sided dice.

Example 3: describing probability in words

In words, describe the probability that a red counter is obtained when a counter is taken at random from a bag that contains 11 red counters and 2 blue counters.

A red counter being obtained from the bag could happen, the bag does contain red counters, so we cannot describe it as impossible.


We could get a red or a blue counter out of the bag, so we cannot describe the probability of getting a red counter as certain

The chance of getting a red counter out of the bag is higher than blue. There are more red counters than blue in the bag. So we cannot describe it as unlikely, or even chance.


We can say that it is likely or very likely that we would obtain a red counter from the bag.

In this instance, the chance of getting a red counter from the bag is much higher than blue.


We can say that it is very likely we would obtain a red counter from the bag.

How to place events on a probability scale

In order to place events on a probability scale:

  1. Consider whether the event you are trying to describe will definitely happen or not happen.
  2. Consider the likeliness of the event happening.
  3. Choose the appropriate place on the scale to place the event.

Explain how to place events on a probability scale

Explain how to place events on a probability scale

Placing events on a probability scale examples

Example 4: placing events on a probability scale

Mark on the scale below, the probability that an ordinary six-sided dice is rolled and lands on an even number.

Describing Probability example 4 step 3

An ordinary six-sided dice will have the numbers 1 to 6 on its faces. Rolling an even number could happen, so we cannot describe it as impossible.


We could also roll an odd number on an ordinary six-sided dice, so we cannot describe it as certain.

There are 3 odd numbers and 3 even numbers on an ordinary six-sided dice. Two possible outcomes, odd or even, both with a 50-50 chance.

Two equally likely possible outcomes means we can say that there is an even chance that an even number is rolled, so we make a mark halfway between 0 (impossible) and 1 (certain), at 0.5 (even chance).


Describing Probability example 4

Example 5: placing events on a probability scale

There are 12 marbles in a bag.

5 marbles are yellow.

4 marbles are green.

2 marbles are red.

Describing Probability example 5 image 1

Lucas takes a marble at random from the bag.

On the probability scale, mark the probability that Lucas will take a red marble. 

Describing Probability example 5

The bag does contain some red marbles. The chance of Lucas taking a red marble can happen, so we cannot describe it as impossible.


The bag does not only contain red marbles, it also has yellow and green marbles, so we cannot describe the chance of Lucas taking a red marble as certain.

In the bag there are 12 marbles, 5 yellow, 4 green and 2 red. This means that there are 9 marbles that are not red, that Luca could get, and only 2 that are red.


The chance of Lucas picking out a red marble cannot be described as very likely, likely or even chance.

It is not very likely that Lucas will pick a red marble out of the bag, so we need to place the event between 0 (impossible) and 0.5 (even chance).


In this instance, 2 out of 12 marbles are red, so we would place the event closer to 0 (impossible) than 0.5 (even chance).


Describing Probability example 5 step 3

Example 6: placing events on a probability scale

Trevor uses some letter cards to spell the word “SEPTEMBER”.

Describing Probability example 6 image 1

Trevor takes one of these cards at random.

Mark on the scale below, the probability that Trevor takes a card with a letter A.

Describing Probability example 6 image 2

The word “SEPTEMBER” does not contain the letter A, so Trevor cannot pick a card that contains the letter A, it will definitely not happen.

In this instance, we can ignore step 2. We do not need to consider the likelihood of this event further, it cannot happen.

Picking a card containing the letter A, from the word “SEPTEMBER” cannot happen.


We can say that it is impossible for Trevor to pick a card containing the letter A.


Describing Probability example 6 step 3

Common misconceptions

  • The probability scale goes from \bf{0} (impossible) to \bf{1} (certain)

Remember that impossible is at 0 and certain is at 1, when probability scales are marked numerically rather than with words.

For example,

Describing Probability common misconceptions image 1

  • Even Chance

An event can only be described as having an “even chance” of occurring if the number of times it could occur is exactly the same as the other possible outcome.

For example,

When flipping a coin, a coin only has two sides. One contains heads, and the other tails. So the coin landing on heads and the coin landing on tails has an equal chance of happening.

But just because an event has two outcomes, it does not mean that the two events have equal probabilities.

For example,

A cube has six faces. One face is red and the other 5 faces are blue. There are 2 outcomes, red and blue. But the probabilities are different.

The probability of getting red is \frac{1}{6} and the probability of getting blue is \frac{5}{6}.

Practice describing probability questions

1. Place the words in the box onto the probability scale.

 

Describing Probability practice question 1 image 1

Describing Probability practice question 1 correct answer

GCSE Quiz True

Describing Probability practice question 1 answer option 1

GCSE Quiz False

Describing Probability practice question 1 answer option 2

GCSE Quiz False

Describing Probability practice question 1 answer option 3

GCSE Quiz False

Remember that impossible is at 0 and certain is at 1, when probability scales are marked numerically rather than with words.

 

For example,

 

Describing Probability practice question 1 explanation image

2. Use a word from the box to describe the probability that a yellow counter is picked from the bag below.

 

Describing Probability practice question 2 image 1

 

Describing Probability practice question 2 image 2

Impossible

GCSE Quiz False

Unlikely

GCSE Quiz False

Certain

GCSE Quiz False

Very likely

GCSE Quiz True

There are 3 yellow counters and 2 that are not yellow. There is more chance of picking a yellow counter.

3. Use a word from the box to describe the probability that a green counter is picked from the bag below.

 

Describing Probability practice question 3 image 1

 

Describing Probability practice question 3 image 2

Likely

GCSE Quiz False

Impossible

GCSE Quiz False

Very Unlikely

GCSE Quiz True

Certain

GCSE Quiz False

There is 1 green counter and 4 that are not green. There is more chance of picking a counter that is not green.

4. Use a word from the box to describe the probability that a red counter is picked from the bag below.

 

Describing Probability practice question 4 image 1

 

Describing Probability practice question 4 image 2

Unlikely

GCSE Quiz False

Impossible

GCSE Quiz True

Very Unlikely

GCSE Quiz False

Likely

GCSE Quiz False

There are no red counters in the bag, so a red counter cannot be picked.

5. Caitlin uses some letter cards to spell out the word “DECEMBER”.

 

Describing Probability practice question 5 image 1

 

Caitlin takes one of these cards at random.

 

Mark on the scale below, the probability that Caitlin takes a card containing the letter E.

 

Describing Probability practice question 5 image 2

Describing Probability practice question 5 answer option 1

GCSE Quiz False

Describing Probability practice question 5 answer option 2

GCSE Quiz False

Describing Probability practice question 5 answer option 3

GCSE Quiz False

Describing Probability practice question 5 correct answer

GCSE Quiz True

There are 3 cards with the letter E and 5 cards that do not contain the letter E. There is more chance of picking a card that does not contain the letter E.

6. Caitlin uses some letter cards to spell out the word “DECEMBER”.

 

Describing Probability practice question 6 image 1

 

Caitlin takes one of these cards at random.

 

Mark on the scale below, the probability that Caitlin takes a card containing a consonant.

 

Describing Probability practice question 6 image 2

Describing Probability practice question 6 correct answer

GCSE Quiz True

Describing Probability practice question 6 answer option 1

GCSE Quiz False

Describing Probability practice question 6 answer option 2

GCSE Quiz False

Describing Probability practice question 6 answer option 3

GCSE Quiz False

There are 5 cards that contain consonants and 3 cards that contain vowels. There is more chance of picking a card that contains a consonant.

Describing probability GCSE questions

1. Describing Probability GCSE Question 1

 

Which word from the box best describes the likelihood of each of these events?

 

(a) A newborn baby is a girl.

 

(b) You throw an ordinary dice and it lands on a three.

 

(2 marks)

Show answer

Even chance

(1)

Unlikely or very unlikely

(1)

2. A fair six-sided dice is thrown.

 

Describing Probability GCSE Question 2 image 1

 

The probabilities of the following events have been marked on the probability scale below.

 

Describing Probability GCSE Question 2

 

A: A number less than 7 is thrown.
B: A “5” is thrown.
C: An odd number is thrown.

 

Label each place marked on the scale with the appropriate letter.

 

(3 marks)

Show answer

Describing Probability GCSE Question 2 answer

 

One mark per correct letter

(3)

3. Ashton spins a fair spinner with six sections.

 

Describing Probability GCSE Question 3 image 1

 

Describing Probability GCSE Question 3 image 2

 

Use a word from the box which best describes the probability of each of the following events.

 

(a) The spinner will land on 3.

 

(b) The spinner will land on 6.

 

(c) The spinner will land on 5.

 

(d) The spinner will land on a number greater than 1.

 

(4 marks)

Show answer

(a) Even chance

(1)

(b) Impossible

(1)

(c) Unlikely or very unlikely

(1)

(d) Certain

(1)

Learning checklist

You have now learned how to:

  • Describe probability using words
  • Place events on a probability scale
  • Reason about the likelihood of an event happening

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