Probability and distributions

An image of a series of equations.

Chance and uncertainty play a role in many aspects of life. A solid understanding of probability enhances critical thinking and empowers us to make well-informed decisions in everyday situations such as weather forecasting, financial decision, sports and gambling, and health decisions.

Have you ever planned your day around a weather forecast, or heard commentators discussing the odds of a horse winning a race? Maybe you’ve wondered  how insurance companies decide the premiums you pay. All of these scenarios are connected by one powerful concept: probability. Understanding probability helps us make sense of phrases like 'a 50% chance of rain' or 'odds of 5 to 1.' It empowers us to make informed decisions, navigate uncertainties, and sharpen our critical thinking skills in everyday life.

This resource revises Probability and Distributions and within Probability and Distributions there are 6 key concepts:

To determine if this resource will benefit you, start by answering the following questions.

  • What is the difference between dependent and independent events?
  • What is the difference between discrete and continuous random variables?
  • How does conditionality affect an event's probability?
  • What is a sample used to analyse data and not the whole population?

The answers to these questions are provided on the following pages. Use this resource to refresh your memory, reinforce your understanding of these concepts, and prepare more effectively for university-level learning.