The Mathematics of Maybe: Introduction to Probability | Exercise 7.3

Question 1

When a single 6-sided die is rolled, what is the total number of possible outcomes in the sample space?

Check your answer with HomiSolve it yourself, then let Homi check your steps and spot mistakes.
Solution

We will list all the possible results when a die is rolled.

Step 1 — List all outcomes

Let's consider a standard 6-sided die. Each side has a number from 1 to 6. When we roll the die, one side will face up. The possible numbers that can face up are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. We call the set of all possible outcomes the sample space (S).

S={1,2,3,4,5,6}S = \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\}

Diagram 1

Step 2 — Count the outcomes

Now, let's count how many outcomes are in our sample space. The number of elements in the sample space is denoted as n(S)n(S).

n(S)=number of elements in Sn(S) = \text{number of elements in } S

n(S)=6n(S) = 6

Total outcomes=6\boxed{\text{Total outcomes} = 6}

Answer

(i) The total number of possible outcomes in the sample space is 6.

More questions in Exercise 7.3

Q1

When a single 6-sided die is rolled, what is the total number of possible outcomes in the sample space?

Q2

For the following experiments write down the sample space S.

(i) Rolling a die and tossing a coin together.

(ii) Choosing a random integer between – 5 and + 5.

(iii) A box containing 5 green and 7 red balls. One ball is drawn at random.

Q3

In a village fair, there are 3 popular snacks available: Samosa, Pakora, and Bhaji. For drinks, villagers can choose either Chai or Lassi.

(i) List the sample space of all possible snack and drink combinations a person could choose at the fair.

(ii) List the event 'Selecting Samosa as a snack.'

← Back to The Mathematics of Maybe: Introduction to Probability