Determine whether each number could be the probability of an event. Explain your reasoning.
a.1.5
b.1
a. The probability of an event must always be between 0 and 1, inclusive. Since 1.5 is greater than 1, it cannot be the probability of an event. Therefore, 1.5 cannot be the probability of an event.
b. Similarly, the probability of an event cannot be greater than 1. Since 1 is equal to 1, it meets the requirement of being between 0 and 1 inclusive. Therefore, 1 could be the probability of an event.
To determine whether a number could be the probability of an event, we need to check if the number falls within the valid range of probabilities, which is between 0 and 1 inclusive.
a. 1.5
This number is greater than 1, so it cannot be the probability of an event. Probabilities must be between 0 and 1, so any value greater than 1 is not valid.
b. 1
This number is equal to 1. In certain cases, 1 can represent a valid probability. When the probability of an event is 1, it means the event is certain to happen. So, if there is complete certainty that the event will occur, then the probability can be 1. However, under normal circumstances, probabilities are usually less than or equal to 1.
In conclusion, a number outside the range of 0 to 1 (such as 1.5) cannot be the probability of an event. On the other hand, a number equal to 1 can represent a probability when there is complete certainty of the event occurring.