Basic Probability Formula

Understanding Basic Probability

The basic probability formula calculates the likelihood of a single event occurring, where P(A) represents the probability of event A happening. This is done by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes. The formula is useful in various fields such as statistics, gambling, weather forecasting, and any area that processes uncertain events.

Parameter usage:

• favorableOutcomes = the count of successful outcomes for an event
• totalOutcomes = the count of all possible outcomes for the event

Output:

• probability = the likelihood of the event occurring

Data validation

Both parameters must be non-negative, and total outcomes must be greater than zero. Additionally, favorable outcomes should not exceed total outcomes.

Summary

This formula provides a quick way to assess the probability of an event occurring, based on the ratio of favorable to total outcomes. It assumes that all outcomes are equally likely.