Objectives Calculate geometric probabilities. Use geometric probability to predict results in real-world situations.
Remember that in probability, the set of all possible outcomes of an experiment is called the sample space. Any set of outcomes is called an event. If every outcome in the sample space is equally likely, the theoretical probability of an event is
If an event has a probability p of occurring, the probability of the event not occurring is 1 – p. Remember!
Example 1A: Using Length to Find Geometric Probability A point is chosen randomly on PS. Find the probability of each event. The point is on RS.
Example 1B: Using Length to Find Geometric Probability The point is not on QR. Subtract from 1 to find the probability that the point is not on QR.
Example 1C: Using Length to Find Geometric Probability The point is on PQ or QR. P(PQ or QR) = P(PQ) + P(QR)
Example 2A: Transportation Application A pedestrian signal at a crosswalk has the following cycle: “WALK” for 45 seconds and “DON’T WALK” for 70 seconds. What is the probability the signal will show “WALK” when you arrive? To find the probability, draw a segment to represent the number of seconds that each signal is on. The signal is “WALK” for 45 out of every 115 seconds.
Example 3A: Using Angle Measures to Find Geometric Probability Use the spinner to find the probability of each event. the pointer landing on yellow The angle measure in the yellow region is 140°.
Example 3B: Using Angle Measures to Find Geometric Probability Use the spinner to find the probability of each event. the pointer landing on blue or red The angle measure in the blue region is 52°. The angle measure in the red region is 60°.
Example 3C: Using Angle Measures to Find Geometric Probability Use the spinner to find the probability of each event. the pointer not landing on green The angle measure in the green region is 108°. Subtract this angle measure from 360°.