Probability of Left-Handed Students in a College

What is the probability that a randomly selected student in the college is left-handed?

a) 0.10 b) 0.20 c) 0.05 d) 0.15

Final answer: To find the probability, divide the number of left-handed students by the total number of students.

Answer:

The correct answer is option (a) 0.10.

Reflecting on the data provided about a college with over 5000 students, where 10% of them are left-handed, we explore the concept of probability and how it relates to left-handedness among students. Probability plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of specific outcomes in a random event, such as selecting a student from the college without prior knowledge of their handedness.

In this scenario, the probability of selecting a left-handed student can be calculated by dividing the number of left-handed students by the total number of students in the college. With 10% of the 5000 students identified as left-handed, we can determine that there are 500 left-handed students in total. Therefore, the probability of randomly selecting a left-handed student is 500 (left-handed students) divided by 5000 (total students), resulting in a probability of 0.10 or 10%.

Understanding probability allows us to make informed predictions and decisions based on available data. In this case, knowing the proportion of left-handed students in the college enables us to determine the likelihood of encountering a left-handed student when selecting one randomly. Probability serves as a valuable tool in various fields, providing insights into uncertain outcomes and guiding statistical analysis.