Unlikely evets and probability

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In summary, the conversation discusses the probability of unlikely events occurring, using the example of drawing cards from a deck. The odds of a specific sequence of cards being drawn are extremely low, but with the large number of cards being dealt in casinos, these events are still possible. The speaker argues that just because something is unlikely, it does not mean it cannot happen. However, they also acknowledge that predicting the future with complete accuracy would eliminate the concept of unlikely events.
  • #1
skydivephil
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I was thinking about unlikely evenst and conclude they must happen all the time. Imagine I draw a card from a deck, the odds for a particular card to come out= 1/52. Now I replace, shuffle and draw another card, the odds of the sequence of two card are =1/52*1/52 so and we can keep multiplying this by 1/52 for each card if we repeat the process:
2 card = 1/2704
3 cards =140,068
4 cards = 7,311,616
5 cards 380,204,032
6 cards =19.77 billion to one.
7 cards = 1.028 trillion to one.

Now presumably casinos are dealing thousands of cards down every day, (Maybe millions?) and so the odds of any particular sequence of cards being dealt is utterly astronimical. So one cannot sy an event cannot happen becuase its unlikely, it has to be more unliekly than any other event. Anyone disagree with this maths?
 
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  • #2
I don't disagree with the math, perhaps your argument isn't cogent though.
 
  • #3
If your aim was to disprove the notion that unlikely events can't happen, you've succeeded.
 
  • #4
If you could predict the future with 100% accuracy, there wouldn't be any unlikely events. There would only be certain events and impossible events.

EDIT: More precisely, certain or impossible outcomes for a given trial.
 
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  • #5


I would say that you are correct in your understanding of probability and the likelihood of unlikely events occurring. In fact, the concept of probability and the mathematics behind it are fundamental to the scientific method and many fields of science.

However, it is important to note that probability does not guarantee that a certain event will or will not happen. It simply provides a measure of how likely or unlikely it is to occur. In your example, the probability of a specific sequence of cards being dealt may be extremely low, but it is still possible for that sequence to occur. This is known as the law of large numbers, which states that as the number of trials or events increases, the observed outcomes will approach the expected probability.

In addition, it is important to consider other factors that may influence the likelihood of an event, such as the skills of the dealer in shuffling the cards or the biases of the deck itself. These factors may affect the outcome and alter the probability of certain events occurring.

In conclusion, while your understanding of probability and its relationship to unlikely events is correct, it is also important to consider other factors and to remember that probability does not guarantee the outcome of any particular event.
 

1. What is meant by "unlikely events"?

"Unlikely events" refers to events that have a low probability of occurring. In other words, these are events that are not expected to happen often or at all.

2. How is the probability of an unlikely event determined?

The probability of an unlikely event is determined by calculating the number of possible outcomes that result in the event happening, divided by the total number of possible outcomes. For example, if there are 10 possible outcomes and only 1 results in the unlikely event occurring, the probability would be 1/10 or 0.1.

3. Can unlikely events still occur?

Yes, unlikely events can still occur. Just because an event has a low probability does not mean it cannot happen. In fact, with enough trials, even a highly unlikely event can occur.

4. Are unlikely events always negative or bad?

No, unlikely events can be both positive and negative. For example, winning the lottery is an unlikely event that would have a positive outcome, while getting struck by lightning is an unlikely event with a negative outcome.

5. How is the concept of probability important in understanding unlikely events?

Probability helps us to understand the likelihood of an event occurring and allows us to make predictions and decisions based on that likelihood. In the case of unlikely events, understanding the probability can help us to prepare for and mitigate the potential impact of these events.

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