Make sure to list all possible outcomes

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 46 views

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Introduction

In probability theory, the concept of sample space is crucial in understanding the possible outcomes of an event. A family with two children is a classic example used to illustrate the concept of sample space. In this article, we will explore the set of outcomes for the possible genders of the children, represented by the symbols ${$ B $}$ for a boy and ${$ G $}$ for a girl.

The Sample Space

The sample space, denoted by ${$ S $}$, is the set of all possible outcomes for the event. In this case, the event is the possible genders of the two children. The sample space is given by ${$ S={BB, BG, GB, GG} $}$, where the oldest child is listed first. This means that the possible outcomes are:

${$ BB $}$: Both children are boys.
${$ BG $}$: The first child is a boy, and the second child is a girl.
${$ GB $}$: The first child is a girl, and the second child is a boy.
${$ GG $}$: Both children are girls.

Understanding the Outcomes

Each outcome in the sample space represents a possible combination of genders for the two children. To understand the probability of each outcome, we need to consider the probability of each child being a boy or a girl. Assuming that the probability of a child being a boy is ${$ P(B) = 0.5 $}$ and the probability of a child being a girl is ${$ P(G) = 0.5 $}$, we can calculate the probability of each outcome.

Calculating the Probabilities

To calculate the probability of each outcome, we need to consider the probability of each child being a boy or a girl. Since the probability of a child being a boy is ${$ P(B) = 0.5 $}$ and the probability of a child being a girl is ${$ P(G) = 0.5 $}$, we can calculate the probability of each outcome as follows:

${$ P(BB) = P(B) \times P(B) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$
${$ P(BG) = P(B) \times P(G) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$
${$ P(GB) = P(G) \times P(B) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$
${$ P(GG) = P(G) \times P(G) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$

Conclusion

In conclusion, the set of outcomes for the possible genders of the two children is ${$ S={BB, BG, GB, GG} $}$. Each outcome represents a possible combination of genders for the two children. By assuming that the probability of a child being a boy is ${$ P(B) = 0.5 $}$ and the probability of a child being a girl is ${$ P(G) = 0.5 $}$, we can calculate the probability of each outcome. The probabilities of each outcome are ${$ P(BB) = 0.25 $}$, ${$ P(BG) = 0.25 $}$, ${$ P(GB) = 0.25 $}$, and ${$ P(GG) = 0.25 $}$.

Applications

The concept of sample space is crucial in probability theory and has numerous applications in various fields, including:

Insurance: Insurance companies use probability theory to calculate the risk of an event occurring. For example, an insurance company may use the concept of sample space to calculate the probability of a person being involved in an accident.
Finance: Financial institutions use probability theory to calculate the risk of investments. For example, a financial institution may use the concept of sample space to calculate the probability of a stock price increasing or decreasing.
Medicine: Medical professionals use probability theory to calculate the risk of a disease occurring. For example, a medical professional may use the concept of sample space to calculate the probability of a patient developing a certain disease.

Real-World Examples

The concept of sample space has numerous real-world applications. Here are a few examples:

Coin Toss: When tossing a coin, there are two possible outcomes: heads or tails. The sample space for this event is ${$ S={H, T} $}$.
Rolling a Die: When rolling a die, there are six possible outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. The sample space for this event is ${$ S={1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} $}$.
Drawing a Card: When drawing a card from a deck, there are 52 possible outcomes: one of the 52 cards in the deck. The sample space for this event is ${$ S={1, 2, 3, \ldots, 52} $}$.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of sample space is crucial in probability theory and has numerous applications in various fields. The set of outcomes for the possible genders of the two children is ${$ S={BB, BG, GB, GG} $}$. By assuming that the probability of a child being a boy is ${$ P(B) = 0.5 $}$ and the probability of a child being a girl is ${$ P(G) = 0.5 $}$, we can calculate the probability of each outcome. The probabilities of each outcome are ${$ P(BB) = 0.25 $}$, ${$ P(BG) = 0.25 $}$, ${$ P(GB) = 0.25 $}$, and ${$ P(GG) = 0.25 $}$.

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Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the set of outcomes for the possible genders of the two children, represented by the symbols ${$ B $}$ for a boy and ${$ G $}$ for a girl. The sample space is given by ${$ S={BB, BG, GB, GG} $}$, where the oldest child is listed first. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to the concept of sample space and its applications.

Q&A

Q: What is the sample space?

A: The sample space, denoted by ${$ S $}$, is the set of all possible outcomes for the event. In this case, the event is the possible genders of the two children.

Q: How do I calculate the probability of each outcome?

A: To calculate the probability of each outcome, you need to consider the probability of each child being a boy or a girl. Assuming that the probability of a child being a boy is ${$ P(B) = 0.5 $}$ and the probability of a child being a girl is ${$ P(G) = 0.5 $}$, you can calculate the probability of each outcome as follows:

${$ P(BB) = P(B) \times P(B) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$
${$ P(BG) = P(B) \times P(G) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$
${$ P(GB) = P(G) \times P(B) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$
${$ P(GG) = P(G) \times P(G) = 0.5 \times 0.5 = 0.25 $}$

Q: What are some real-world applications of the concept of sample space?

A: The concept of sample space has numerous real-world applications, including:

Insurance: Insurance companies use probability theory to calculate the risk of an event occurring. For example, an insurance company may use the concept of sample space to calculate the probability of a person being involved in an accident.
Finance: Financial institutions use probability theory to calculate the risk of investments. For example, a financial institution may use the concept of sample space to calculate the probability of a stock price increasing or decreasing.
Medicine: Medical professionals use probability theory to calculate the risk of a disease occurring. For example, a medical professional may use the concept of sample space to calculate the probability of a patient developing a certain disease.

Q: Can you provide some examples of sample spaces?

A: Here are a few examples of sample spaces:

Coin Toss: When tossing a coin, there are two possible outcomes: heads or tails. The sample space for this event is ${$ S={H, T} $}$.
Rolling a Die: When rolling a die, there are six possible outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. The sample space for this event is ${$ S={1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} $}$.
Drawing a Card: When drawing a card from a deck, there are 52 possible outcomes: one of the 52 cards in the deck. The sample space for this event is ${$ S={1, 2, 3, \ldots, 52} $}$.

Q: How do I determine the probability of an event occurring?

A: To determine the probability of an event occurring, you need to consider the probability of each outcome in the sample space. You can then calculate the probability of the event occurring by summing the probabilities of the outcomes that satisfy the event.

Q: Can you provide some tips for working with sample spaces?

A: Here are a few tips for working with sample spaces:

Make sure to list all possible outcomes: When creating a sample space, make sure to list all possible outcomes for the event.
Use a systematic approach: When calculating the probability of each outcome, use a systematic approach to ensure that you are considering all possible outcomes.
Check your work: When calculating the probability of an event occurring, check your work to ensure that you are using the correct probabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of sample space is crucial in probability theory and has numerous applications in various fields. By understanding the sample space and how to calculate the probability of each outcome, you can make informed decisions and predictions about the outcome of an event. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the concept of sample space and its applications.