Lesson 1

Lesson 1: Odds and Probability

Focus

What are the odds of winning something—anything? Some people feel they never get lucky while others seem to get on lucky streaks and win everything! Go to the Internet and try to find odds for the following: odds for bowling a 300 game; odds of getting a hole in one in golf; odds for winning an Olympic medal; odds of “winning solitaire” on the computer. How might an understanding of odds help you make decisions?

How are these odds calculated? How do you know if they are valid?

In this lesson you will learn the answers to these questions and be able to use that knowledge to help make decisions and solve contextual problems involving probability and odds.

Lesson Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to

• calculate the odds of events
• find probability from the odds and vice versa
• solve contextual problems involving odds and probability
• assess and make decisions based on odds and probability statements

Lesson Questions

You will investigate the following questions:

• What is the relationship between probability and odds, and how are they calculated?
• How does an understanding of probability and odds help you make decisions and solve contextual problems?

Assessment

Your assessment may be based on a combination of the following tasks:

• completion of the Lesson 1 Assignment (Download the Lesson 1 Assignment and save it in your course folder now.)
• course folder submissions from Try This and Share activities
• additions to Glossary Terms and Formula Sheet
• work under Project Connection

Self-Check activities are for your own use. You can compare your answers to suggested answers to see if you are on track. If you are having difficulty with concepts or calculations, contact your teacher.

Remember that the questions and activities you will encounter provide you with the practice and feedback you need to successfully complete this course. You should complete all questions and place your responses in your course folder. Your teacher may wish to view your work to check on your progress and to see if you need help.

Time

Each lesson in Mathematics 30-2 EveryWare is designed to be completed in approximately two hours. You may find that you require more or less time to complete individual lessons. It is important that you progress at your own pace, based on your individual learning requirements.

This time estimation does not include time required to complete Going Beyond activities or the Module Project.