A-Level Maths Specification

Edexcel 9MA0

Section 2.3: Probability

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#2.3.1

Understand and use mutually exclusive and independent events when calculating probabilities.

Venn diagrams or tree diagrams may be used. Set notation to describe events may be used.

Use of \(P(B|A) = P(B)\), \(P(A|B) = P(A)\), \(P(A∩B) = P(A)P(B)\) in connection with independent events.

Link to discrete and continuous distributions.

No formal knowledge of probability density functions is required but students should understand that area under the curve represents probability in the case of a continuous distribution.

Mutually exclusive events Independent events

#2.3.2

Understand and use conditional probability, including the use of tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, two-way tables.

Understand and use the conditional probability formula:

\(P(A|B) = \dfrac{P(A∩B)}{P(B)}\)

Understanding and use of

\(P(A') = 1 - P(A)\),

\(P(A∪B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A∩B)\),

\(P(A∩B) = P(A)P(B|A)\).

Conditional probability Tree diagrams Venn diagrams Two-way tables

#2.3.3

Modelling with probability, including critiquing assumptions made and the likely effect of more realistic assumptions.

For example, questioning the assumption that a die or coin is fair.

Modelling with probability