Question 1 - Think & Reflect (Page 167) - Elements of Probability - Chapter 7 - The Mathematics of Maybe: Introduction to Probability

Transcript

Question 1 - Think & Reflect (Page 167) When we used the sample space {Rain, No Rain} in Example 1, we focused only on whether it will rain or not. However, if we want to include different amounts of rainfall like drizzle, light rain or heavy rain, we need to expand the sample space to {No Rain, Drizzle, Light Rain, Heavy Rain} so that it better matches the level of detail required for the question. It is important to ensure the sample space is detailed enough to suit the specific problem being studied. Our sample space needs to match the question you are trying to answer. If you only care if you need an umbrella, {Rain, No Rain} is fine. If you are a farmer trying to measure crop watering, you need the detailed sample space You get to define the "menu" based on what you are studying! THINK AND REFLECT The level of detail in a sample space must match the question level. Question: Will it rain? Question: How much rain? Sample Space: {Rain, No Rain} Sample Space: {No Rain, Drizzle, Light Rain, Heavy Rain}