Odds A ratio comparing the number of ways an event can occur (called favorable
outcomes) to the number of ways the event cannot occur (unfavorable outcomes)
is called the odds of an event. By adding the two parts of the ratio together, you
get the total number of possible outcomes.
Example: Find the odds that a coin will land on heads when flipped. Then find
the total number of possible outcomes.
When you flip a coin, it can land on either heads or tails.
Heads : Tails
Make a labeled ratio.
1:1
Rewrite using numbers.
1+1=2
Add both parts of the radio to find the total number
of possibilities.
So, the odds that a coin will land on heads when flipped are 1 : 1 and the total
number of possible outcomes is 2.
Find the odds of each event happening as well as the total number of
possible outcomes.
1. A number cube is rolled, and it lands on 3.36
2. A number cube is rolled, and it lands on a multiple of 2.
3. A letter is randomly chosen from the word “mirror," and you choose an “L."
4. A letter is randomly chosen from the word “mirror," and you choose an “x.”
5. A spinner with eight equal sections numbered 1 through 8 is spun, and you
get an even number.
6. A bag contains 4 blue marbles, 3 yellow marbles and 6 green
marbles. You
pick a blue marble out of the bag.
7. A standard deck of playing cards contains 52 cards. There are 13 cards of
each suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades). You draw a diamond card.