tree_of_numbers.jpgtree diagram can be used to show probabilities of events.

The diagram looks like the branches of a tree.

  • The probability of each event should be marked on each branch.
  • The probabilities on each set of branches must always add up to 1.

e.g. The tree diagram shows the probabilities when 2 coins are tossed. The coins are "fair" that is there is an equal probability that a "head" or a "tail" will be face up.

Y10_Probability_Trees_01.gif

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From the diagram there are 4 possible outcomes:

Head followed by head
Head followed by tail
Tail followed by head
Tail followed by tail

Therefore the probability of each of these events occurring is Y10_Probability_Trees_02.gif (1 out of 4 possibilities).

This can also be calculated using the multiplication principle. e.g. P(H,H) =Y10_Probability_Trees_03.gif

 

Tree diagrams are useful for dealing with problems of games of chance.

One such game involves picking coloured balls from a bag. There are 8 balls in a bag, 5 of them are red and 3 of them green. If two balls are picked out at random and not replaced, what is the probability of getting two of the same colour?

 

Draw a tree diagram.

The second selection is out of 7 because one ball has been removed.

From the diagram:

P(Two balls are same colour)

= P(red, red) + P(green, green)

Y10_Probability_Trees_04.gif

 

Y10_Probability_Trees_05.gif