Expert: Sherry Wallin - 4/13/2011

Question
Hi there. My math class has nearly finished our probability unit, and I honestly hate the subject. Why would one ever have to use probability (practically) in life, or for any career in existence?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Alex~

I can think of a lot of reasons one might want to use probability in real life. For one, statistics is based on it and we use statistics to make projections and test hypotheses. Another reason is you can figure out, if you like to bet, or gamble, how likely you are to win and if a particular way of playing a betting game has better odds than  another. Permutations and combinations are part of probability and these are counting principles.
I can think of more but you will have to ask if you are still more interested.

Math Prof

PS If there are 2 boys for every girl where you live how likely is it that you will get a girl? Suppose there are 150 girls in your town, then how many boys are there? 2boys/1girl = xboys/150girls=> 300 boys! You have a 1 in 2 chance (50%) on the average of having a girl! Not very good odds huh?