Experimental vs. Theoretical Probability
Grade 7 · Math · Probability and Statistics · Quebec, Canada
Lesson Summary
Compare the probability you calculate in theory with the results you get from experiments.
Explanation
Theoretical probability is what you predict using math, like P(heads) = 1/2 for a fair coin. Experimental probability is what actually happens when you do the experiment: it equals the number of times an event occurred divided by the total number of trials. The more trials you run, the closer experimental probability usually gets to theoretical probability. Differences between the two can reveal whether something is truly random or biased.
Practice Questions
Q1: You flip a coin 50 times and get heads 28 times. What is the experimental probability of heads?
Answer: 28/50 = 14/25 = 0.56 or 56%.
Q2: The theoretical probability of rolling a 4 on a die is 1/6. You roll the die 60 times. About how many 4s would you expect?
Answer: 60 × 1/6 = 10 times.
Q3: Why might experimental probability differ from theoretical probability?
Answer: Random chance causes variation in small numbers of trials. As you perform more trials, the experimental probability tends to get closer to the theoretical probability.
People Also Ask
What is Experimental vs. Theoretical Probability in Grade 7 Math?+
Experimental vs. Theoretical Probability is a lesson in the Probability and Statistics chapter of Grade 7 Math. It is part of the Quebec, Canada school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.
What grade level covers Experimental vs. Theoretical Probability?+
Experimental vs. Theoretical Probability is taught in Grade 7 as part of the Math curriculum in Quebec, Canada.
How can I help my child with Probability and Statistics in Math?+
Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with Probability and Statistics topics.