Applications of Probability: Probability is the branch of mathematics that tells the occurrence of an

event. In our real life, we can see several situations where we can predict the outcomes of events in
statistics. These outcomes may be specific or uncertain to occur. The formula of probability is the ratio
of favourable events to the total number of events in an experiment.

The uncertainty of the event gives the probability of the event. The real-life applications of probability
are many in various fields like medicines, business, and other industries also. In this article, we will
provide detailed information on applications of probability.

What is Probability?

Probability is the special branch of statistics in mathematics, which tells about a random experiment.
Probability defines the possibility. In general, many events of the experiments cannot be predicted with
absolute certainty. For those cases, probability helps predict an event’s likelihood.

The measurement of the possibility of an event to occur is called probability. The uncertainty of the
event gives the probability of the event.

Example:
Probably, today going to rain, winning the cricket match etc.

Formula of Probability

The formula of probability is the ratio of favourable events to the total number of events in an
experiment.

probability (Event)=Favourableoutcomes
Totalnumberofoutcomes

Probability gives the uncertainty of the occurrence of an event numerically. The probability of
occurrence of an event can lie between zero and one. Where one is the certainty of the probability and
zero is the impossibility of the probability.

0≤P(E)≤1

The probability of an event is expressed in decimals, percentages, and a fraction, and it can not be a
negative value.

Types of Probability

The main three types of probabilities are:

1. Theoretical Probability

2. Experimental Probability

3. Axiomatic Probability

1. Theoretical Probability
Theoretical probability is mainly based on the possible chances of an event, that is, something to
happen. Theoretical probability is based on the fact that what is expected to happen in an experiment
without actually conducting it.

Theoretical probability is the ratio of the number of favourable outcomes to the total outcomes.

2. Experimental Probability

Experimental probability is a probability that is calculated based on multiple experiments. It is mainly

based on the data that is obtained after an experiment is carried out.

It equals the ratio of the number of times an event occurs to the total number of times the experiments
are conducted.

3. Axiomatic Probability

In axiomatic probability, a set of various rules or axioms applies to all types of events. In this type of
probability, the events’ chances of occurrence and non-occurrence can be quantified based on the rules.

It equals the likelihood of an event occurring based on the occurrence of previous events.

Importance of Probability

The measurement of the possibility of an event to occur is called probability. The applications of
probability in daily life are numerous. Some of the uses or importance of probability, the applications of
probability in daily life plays a vital role, are discussed below:

1. Tossing a coin

2. Rolling a dice

3. Playing with cards

4. In general, example: Guessing the rain to occur today.

5. In business, to decide the probability of profit and loss

6. In medicines, to decide the possibility of the risk of disease

7. In sales, to decide the sale of the particular item

8. In selecting the objects

9. In the arrangement of objects

Application of Probability in Business

The marketing persons or salespersons promote the products to increase sales. They use the probability
technique to check how much the particular product is going well in the market or not. The probability
technique helps to forecast the business in future.
What is Probability Distribution?
Probability distribution yields the possible outcomes for any random event. It is also defined based
on the underlying sample space as a set of possible outcomes of any random experiment. These
settings could be a set of real numbers or a set of vectors or a set of any entities. It is a part of
probability and statistics.

Random experiments are defined as the result of an experiment, whose outcome cannot be
predicted. Suppose, if we toss a coin, we cannot predict, what outcome it will appear either it will
come as Head or as Tail. The possible result of a random experiment is called an outcome. And the
set of outcomes is called a sample point. With the help of these experiments or events, we can
always create a probability pattern table in terms of variables and probabilities.

Probability Distribution of Random Variables

A random variable has a probability distribution, which defines the probability of its unknown values.
Random variables can be discrete (not constant) or continuous or both. That means it takes any of a
designated finite or countable list of values, provided with a probability mass function feature of the
random variable’s probability distribution or can take any numerical value in an interval or set of
intervals. Through a probability density function that is representative of the random variable’s
probability distribution or it can be a combination of both discrete and continuous.

Two random variables with equal probability distribution can yet vary with respect to their
relationships with other random variables or whether they are independent of these. The recognition
of a random variable, which means, the outcomes of randomly choosing values as per the variable’s
probability distribution function, are called random variates.

Probability Distribution Formulas

P(X) = nCxaxbn-x
Where a = probability of success

Binomial Distribution b=probability of failure

n= number of trials
x=random variable denoting success

Cumulative Distribution
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Function

Discrete Probability
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Distribution

Types of Probability Distribution

There are two types of probability distribution which are used for different purposes and various
types of the data generation process.


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1. Normal or Cumulative Probability Distribution
2. Binomial or Discrete Probability Distribution

Let us discuss now both the types along with their definition, formula and examples.

Cumulative Probability Distribution

The cumulative probability distribution is also known as a continuous probability distribution. In this
distribution, the set of possible outcomes can take on values in a continuous range.

For example, a set of real numbers, is a continuous or normal distribution, as it gives all the possible
outcomes of real numbers. Similarly, a set of complex numbers, a set of prime numbers, a set of
whole numbers etc. are examples of Normal Probability distribution. Also, in real-life scenarios, the
temperature of the day is an example of continuous probability. Based on these outcomes we can
create a distribution table. A probability density function describes it. The formula for the normal
distribution is;

Where,


o

 μ = Mean Value

 σ = Standard Distribution of probability.

 If mean(μ) = 0 and standard deviation(σ) = 1, then this distribution is known

to be normal distribution.

 x = Normal random variable

Normal Distribution Examples

Since the normal distribution statistics estimates many natural events so well, it has evolved into a
standard of recommendation for many probability queries. Some of the examples are:
 
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 Height of the Population of the world

 Rolling a dice (once or multiple times)

 To judge the Intelligent Quotient Level of children in this competitive world

 Tossing a coin

 Income distribution in countries economy among poor and rich

 The sizes of females shoes

 Weight of newly born babies range

 Average report of Students based on their performance

Discrete Probability Distribution

A distribution is called a discrete probability distribution, where the set of outcomes are discrete in
nature.

For example, if a dice is rolled, then all the possible outcomes are discrete and give a mass of
outcomes. It is also known as the probability mass function.

So, the outcomes of binomial distribution consist of n repeated trials and the outcome may or may
not occur. The formula for the binomial distribution is;

Where,


o

 n = Total number of events

 r = Total number of successful events.

 p = Success on a single trial probability.

 n
Cr = [n!/r!(n−r)]!
  1 – p = Failure Probability

Binomial Distribution Examples

As we already know, binomial distribution gives the possibility of a different set of outcomes. In the
real-life, the concept is used for:


o

 To find the number of used and unused materials while manufacturing a

product.

 To take a survey of positive and negative feedback from the people for
anything.

 To check if a particular channel is watched by how many viewers by

calculating the survey of YES/NO.

 The number of men and women working in a company.

 To count the votes for a candidate in an election and many more.

What is Negative Binomial Distribution?

In probability theory and statistics, if in a discrete probability distribution, the number of successes
in a series of independent and identically disseminated Bernoulli trials before a particularised
number of failures happens, then it is termed as the negative binomial distribution. Here the number
of failures is denoted by ‘r’. For instance, if we throw a dice and determine the occurrence of 1 as a
failure and all non-1’s as successes. Now, if we throw a dice frequently until 1 appears the third time,
i.e.r = three failures, then the probability distribution of the number of non-1s that arrived would be
the negative binomial distribution.

What is Poisson Probability Distribution?

The Poisson probability distribution is a discrete probability distribution that represents the
probability of a given number of events happening in a fixed time or space if these cases occur with
a known steady rate and individually of the time since the last event. It was titled after French
mathematician Siméon Denis Poisson. The Poisson distribution can also be practised for the
number of events happening in other particularised intervals such as distance, area or volume. Some
of the real-life examples are:


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 A number of patients arriving at a clinic between 10 to 11 AM.

  The number of emails received by a manager between office hours.

 The number of apples sold by a shopkeeper in the time period of 12 pm to 4

pm daily.

Probability Distribution Function

A function which is used to define the distribution of a probability is called a Probability distribution
function. Depending upon the types, we can define these functions. Also, these functions are used in
terms of probability density functions for any given random variable.

In the case of Normal distribution,  the function of a real-valued random variable X is the function
given by;

FX(x) = P(X ≤ x)

Where P shows the probability that the random variable X occurs on less than or equal to the value
of x.

For a closed interval, (a→b), the cumulative probability function can be defined as;

P(a<X ≤ b) = FX(b) – FX(a)

If we express, the cumulative probability function as integral of its probability density function f X ,
then,

In the case of a random variable X=b, we can define cumulative probability function as;

In the case of Binomial distribution, as we know it is defined as the probability of mass or discrete
random variable gives exactly some value. This distribution is also called probability mass
distribution and the function associated with it is called a probability mass function.

Probability mass function is basically defined for scalar or multivariate random variables whose
domain is variant or discrete. Let us discuss its formula:

Suppose a random variable X and sample space S is defined as;

X:S→A

And A ∈ R, where R is a discrete random variable.

Then the probability mass function fX : A → [0,1] for X can be defined as;

fX(x) = Pr (X=x) = P ({s ∈ S : X(s) = x})

Probability Distribution Table

The table could be created based on the random variable and possible outcomes. Say, a random
variable X is a real-valued function whose domain is the sample space of a random experiment. The
probability distribution P(X) of a random variable X is the system of numbers.

X X1 X2 X3 ………….. Xn

P(X) P1 P2 P3 …………… Pn
where Pi > 0, i=1 to n and P1+P2+P3+ …….. +Pn =1

What is the Prior Probability?

In Bayesian statistical conclusion, a prior probability distribution, also known as the prior, of an
unpredictable quantity is the probability distribution, expressing one’s faiths about this quantity
before any proof is taken into the record. For instance, the prior probability distribution represents
the relative proportions of voters who will vote for some politician in a forthcoming election. The
hidden quantity may be a parameter of the design or a possible variable rather than a perceptible
variable.

What is Posterior Probability?

The posterior probability is the likelihood an event will occur after all data or background information
has been brought into account. It is nearly associated with a prior probability, where an event will
occur before you take any new data or evidence into consideration. It is an adjustment of prior
probability. We can calculate it by using the below formula:

Posterior Probability = Prior Probability + New Evidence 

It is commonly used in Bayesian hypothesis testing. For instance, old data propose that around 60%
of students who begin college will graduate within 4 years. This is the prior probability. Still, if we
think the figure is much lower, so we start collecting new data. The data collected implies that the
true figure is closer to 50%, which is the posterior probability.

Solved Examples
Example 1:

A coin is tossed twice. X is the random variable of the number of heads obtained. What is the
probability distribution of x?

Solution:

First write, the value of X= 0, 1 and 2, as the possibility are there that

No head comes

One head and one tail comes

And head comes in both the coins

Now the probability distribution could be written as;

P(X=0) = P(Tail+Tail) = ½ * ½ = ¼

P(X=1) = P(Head+Tail) or P(Tail+Head) = ½ * ½ + ½ *½ = ½

P(X=2) = P(Head+Head) = ½ * ½ = ¼

We can put these values in tabular form;

X 0 1 2

P(X) 1/4 1/2 1/4

Example 2: 

The weight of a pot of water chosen is a continuous random variable. The following table gives the
weight in kg of 100 containers recently filled by the water purifier. It records the observed values of
the continuous random variable and their corresponding frequencies. Find the probability or chances
for each weight category.

Weight W Number of Containers

0.900−0.925 1

0.925−0.950 7

0.950−0.975 25

0.975−1.000 32

1.000−1.025 30

1.025−1.050 5

Total 100
Solution:

We first divide the number of containers in each weight category by 100 to give the probabilities.

Weight W Number of Containers Probability

0.900−0.925 1 0.01

0.925−0.950 7 0.07

0.950−0.975 25 0.25

0.975−1.000 32 0.32

1.000−1.025 30 0.30

1.025−1.050 5 0.05

Total 100 1.00

Related Articles

 Probability Distribution Formula 

 Probability Density Function
  Probability
 Exponential Distribution Formula
 Standard Normal Distribution
 Normal Distribution Formula

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Frequently Asked Questions on Probability Distribution

What is a probability distribution in statistics?

The probability distribution gives the possibility of each outcome of a random experiment. It
provides the probabilities of different possible occurrences.

What is an example of the probability distribution?

If two coins are tossed, then the probability of getting 0 heads is ¼, 1 head will be ½ and both heads
will be ¼. So, the probability P(x) for a random experiment or discrete random variable x, is
distributed as:
P(0) = ¼
P(1) = ½
P(2) = 1/4
P(x) = ¼ + ½ +¼ = 1

What is the probability distribution used for?

The probability distribution is one of the important concepts in statistics. It has huge applications in
business, engineering, medicine and other major sectors. It is majorly used to make future
predictions based on a sample for a random experiment. For example, in business, it is used to
predict if there will be profit or loss to the company using any new strategy or by proving any
hypothesis test in the medical field, etc.

What is the importance of Probability distribution in Statistics?

In statistics, to estimate the probability of a certain event to occur or estimate the change in
occurrence and random phenomena modelled based on the distribution. Statisticians take a sample
of the population to estimate the probability of occurrence of an event.

What are the conditions of the Probability distribution?

There are basically two major conditions:
The probabilities for random events must lie between 0 to 1.
The sum of all the probabilities of outcomes should be equal to 1.