# Homework Help: Axiom of Probability

1. Dec 17, 2007

### jack1234

I have a question regarding one of the axiom for probability, which is p(<sample space>)=1.

I do not understand why p(<sample space>)=1 is an axiom instead of theorem, since I can prove it with the following argument:

Since sample space has been defined as the set of all possible outcomes, hence in any case, the sample set must occur, therefore the probability of the occurring of sample space is 100%, which follows that p(<sample space>)=1.

What is the problem with the argument?

2. Dec 17, 2007

### HallsofIvy

Is the fact that something that must occur has probability 100% (i.e. 1.0) a separate axiom? If so, how do they define "must occur"?
The point is that the idea that something that "must occur" has probability 1.0, is derived from the axiom you cite, not vice-versa.

3. Dec 17, 2007

### jack1234

Thanks, but why we do not called
p(<sample space>)=1
as a definition instead of an axiom?

I am not sure what make us call it an axiom...

Last edited: Dec 17, 2007
4. Dec 17, 2007

### HallsofIvy

What would it be defining? It is stating a property, not defining a word. If you are thinking of that as defining "must happen", that phrase is not part of mathematical probability but rather of possible applications of probability.

(This may beyond what you are studying, but if your sample space is "all numbers between 0 and 1" and all numbers are equally likely, then the probability you will select an irrational number is 1, even though it is possible to select a rational number.)

5. Dec 19, 2007

### jack1234

Thanks again :)
The reference book I have used stating that:
Axiom 1 stating that 0<=P(E)<=1
Axiom 2 stating that P(S)=1
Axiom 3, the probability of union of mutually exclusive events is equal to the summation probability of of each of the events.

And the author says that, hopefully, the reader will agree that the axioms are natural and in accordance with our intuitive concept of probability as related to chance and randomness.

But what if axiom 1 and axiom 2 is changed to
Axiom 1 stating that 0.5<=P(E)<=1.5
Axiom 2 stating that P(S)=1.5
(Axiom 3 no change)

or

Axiom 1 stating that 1.1<=P(E)<=2
Axiom 2 stating that P(S)=2
(Axiom 3 no change)

and rebuild the probability model base on the new axiom? Will there be any problem in this new probability model?

If not can I say that the original Axiom 1 and Axiom 2 is just taking some reference value so everybody on the earth can follow it?