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

5379 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

There are 895 litres of petrol in Mr Turners petrol tank, he uses 19.7 litres of petrol a day. Estimate the number of days it will take him to use all the petrol in the tank.


Solve the simultaneous equation: 3x+y=-2, -7x+5y=34.


How do I solve a quadratic equation?


Solve the simultaneous equations for x and y: 3x+2y = 14 and 5x-y = 6


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