7th Grade · Statistics & Probability

Compound Event

7.SP.C.8

Definition

An event that combines two or more simple events. 'AND' events require all conditions to be met (intersection). 'OR' events require at least one condition (union).

Examples

  • P(even AND heads) when rolling a die and flipping a coin: 3/12 = 1/4.
  • P(roll a 1 OR a 6) = 2/6 = 1/3.

Key rule

AND usually gives a smaller probability; OR usually gives a larger one.

Memory hook

AND needs both; OR needs at least one.