STEM Excellence Series: Empowering the Next Generation

LIKELIHOOD

Likelihood

Definition Of Likelihood

Likelihood is the probable chances of occurrence of an event.

More About Likelihood

Different types of likelihood events:

A. Most likely event 
B. Least likely event 
C. Equally likely event
D. Uncertain Event

Video Examples: Maximum Likelihood Estimators Part 1

Example of Likelihood

example of Likelihood

When the spinner is spun once, the number 2 has a chance of occurring more number of times than the numbers 1, 3, and 4. So, the spinner landing on the number 2 is most likely to occur.

Solved Example on Likelihood

Ques: The alphabets of the word 'MISSISSIPPI' are placed in a bowl. Which alphabet is least likely to be picked?

example of Likelihood

Choices:

A. M
B. P 
C. I
D. S 
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Step 1: Number of times S and I occur in the word MISSISSIPPI is 4.
Step 2: Number of times M occurs in the word MISSISSIPPI is 1.
Step 3: Number of times P occurs in the word MISSISSIPPI is 2.
Step 4: The alphabet that is least likely to be picked is the one which occurs the least number of times.
Step 5: So, the alphabet which is least likely to be picked is M.

Quick Summary

  • Likelihood refers to the chance of an event happening.
  • Events can be most likely, least likely, equally likely, or uncertain.
\[ P(E) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of possible outcomes}} \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use real-world examples like weather forecasts or games to illustrate likelihood. Emphasize that likelihood is about possibilities, not guarantees.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Basic arithmetic
  • Fractions
  • Understanding of events

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: Which of these events is LEAST likely when rolling a standard six-sided die?

Q2: In the word BANANA, which letter is most likely to be picked at random?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'most likely' mean?
A: It means the event has the highest chance of occurring compared to other events.

Q: How is likelihood different from probability?
A: Likelihood is a general term for the chance of an event, while probability often involves a numerical measure of that chance.

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