When do we add and when do we multiply probabilities?

We add probabilities when the corresponding events are alternatives, e.g. P(rolling a 4 on a pair of dice) = P(rolling a 1 and a 3) + P(rolling a 2 and a 2). These are mutually exclusive events which can't happen at the same time.We multiply probabilities when corresponding events happen consecutively or at the same time, e.g. P(it will rain tomorrow and the day after tomorrow) = P(it will rain tomorrow) * P(it will rain the day after tomorrow). We can do this so long as the events are independent, i.e. they do not affect one another.

LW
Answered by Liora W. Maths tutor

4522 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations. 2x + y = 18, x − y = 6


Find the minimum value of the quadratic equation: y = x^2 + 4x - 12


A flight travels at 750kmph for 7 hours and 18 minutes, work out the distance travelled? Then convert 750 km/h into metres per second.


Write (x-2)/3 + (x+3)/5 as a single fraction


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning