Probability Examples in Math

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Probability.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Math.

Concept Recap

Probability is a number between 0 and 1 (inclusive) that measures how likely an event is to occur, where 0 means impossible and 1 means certain.

How confident you should be that something will happen. 0 = impossible, 1 = certain.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Probability is long-run frequency—what happens over many trials.

Common stuck point: Each event is independent—past flips don't affect future flips.

Sense of Study hint: List every possible outcome first, then count how many match what you want. Divide the match count by the total.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
A bag contains 5 red, 3 blue, and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of drawing a blue marble?

Solution

  1. 1
    Total number of marbles: 5 + 3 + 2 = 10.
  2. 2
    Number of favorable outcomes (blue): 3.
  3. 3
    Probability: P(\text{blue}) = \frac{3}{10} = 0.3.

Answer

P(\text{blue}) = \frac{3}{10}
Basic probability is the ratio of favorable outcomes to total outcomes. Probability values always fall between 0 (impossible) and 1 (certain).

Example 2

medium
Two fair dice are rolled. What is the probability that the sum is 7?

Example 3

medium
A bag contains 4 red, 3 blue, and 5 green marbles. What is the probability of drawing a red or blue marble?

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

medium
A card is drawn at random from a standard 52-card deck. What is the probability it is a heart or a king?

Example 2

medium
A box contains 4 red, 5 blue, and 1 green marble. Two marbles are drawn without replacement. What is the probability of getting one red and one blue in any order?

Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

fractionsratios