How to Calculate the Probability Distribution

Finding the probability distribution means calculating the different amount of outcomes for an event. For example, you would use this calculation to determine the chance of the number two showing up on 10 rolls of a die. In order to make this calculation, you simply need to know a single equation.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

    • 1

      Write out the equation you will be using to determine probability distribution, which is:

      p = n/N

      In this equation, the "N" stands for set elements. The "n" stands for favorable elements. For example, on a die you have six numbers, which would be represented by "N." You have one number four on the die, which would be represented with "n."

      Also, in this equation, the "p" represents the answer, which is the probability of rolling a four on the dice.

    • 2

      Set up the equation by plugging in the numbers in place of the letters. "1" will replace "n" and will represent the number of "4s" on the dice. "6" will replace "N" and will represent the total amount of numbers on the die.

      "p" will remain the same since the probability is currently the unknown.

      p = 1/6

    • 3

      Divide the favorable number (n or 1) by the set number (N or 6).

      1/8 = 0.167

      The answer (p) will never be greater than or equal to 1.

    • 4

      Multiply the answer by 100 to convert the decimal into a percentage.

      0.167 * 100 = 16.7 percent

      Therefore, p = 16.7 percent.

      The chance of rolling a "4" on a single roll of the dice is 16.7 percent.

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