What is Probability of Compound Events?

1 Answer
Feb 2, 2015

It matters whether the events are independent or not.

Example
If you roll a die twice, the second roll is independent of the first, because a die doesn't have memory.

Probabilty of rolling two sixes
First: P(1st=6)=1/6
Second: P(2nd=6)=1/6

Probability of two sixes means:
First is 6 AND second is 6:
P(1st=6)P(2nd=6)=1/61/6=1/36

Probability of rolling more than 4 (i.e. 5 OR 6) in one try:
P(5)=1/6
P(6)=1/6
P(>4)=P(5)+P(6)=1/6+1/6=1/3

General rule
If it's an AND situation multiply the chances
If it's an EITHER.. OR situation, you add