Let's take a look at the concept of probability applied to coin flips. Consider this question - "What is the probability of a head showing on the next coin flip?
Since there are two possible outcomes (heads or tails) and we are looking for only one event (heads), this probability can be expressed as 1 out of 2, 1 to 2 or 1:2 or even 1/2.
This two number expression can also be converted to a percentage by dividing the first number by the second number, which, in this case, will give us: 1 divided by 2 equals 0.50, which can also be expressed as 50%.
Therefore, the probability of getting heads on the next coin flip is 1 to 2 or 50%.
Let's apply this concept to the game of roulette. The American version of the game has the numbers 1 to 36, plus a zero and a double-zero, for a total of 38 numbers. This gives us 38 possible outcomes on any spin of the wheel. If your favorite number is 17, and you wanted to know how likely this was to show on the next spin of the wheel, you could express this as 1 out of 38, 1 to 38, 1:38 or 1/38.
To determine this probability as a percentage means - 1 divided by 38 equals 0.026 which is 2.6% as a percentage.
Interpretation? There is a 2.6% probability or chance of your wager on the number 17 winning on the next spin of the roulette wheel.
(4.3 / 5)
(4.2 / 5)
