How to Solve Probability Word Problems? 4-Steps Method

You can solve SAT Math probability word problems by adopting following four steps

1. Identify events for which probability is to be determined
2. Calculate total number of possible outcomes (items)
3. Calculate probability of each event
4. Add probability of each event (if it is required)

Consider Following Example to understand How to Solve Probability Word Problems in 4 Steps

Example

A box is filled with cubes of different colors. There are 40 White cubes, 24 Green, 12 Red, 24 Golden, and 20 Blue cubes. If you have to select a cube without looking into the box, what is the Probability that you will pick a White or a Blue cube?

Solution

Step 1                    See that you have to determine probability of 2 events

(a) Picking a White cube
(b) Picking a Blue cube

Step 2                    Total number of cubes = 40+24+12+24+20 = 120

Step 3                     Find the probability of picking a White:

Step 4                    Now add the two probabilities together

Thus probability that you will pick a White or a Blue cube is 1/2

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