Experimental Probability vs Theoretical Probability

There are some key differences between Experimental and Theoretical Probability, some of which are as follows:

Aspect of Difference

Experimental Probability

Theoretical Probability

Definition Empirical probability obtained by conducting 
experiments or observations
Probability obtained by using mathematical 
principles and formulas
Basis Observed outcomes in real-life experiments Theoretical predictions based on assumptions 
and models
Accuracy Can be highly variable due to small sample
sizes or other factors
More accurate and reliable, assuming the 
assumptions and models are correct
Calculation Calculated by dividing the number of times 
an event occurred by the total number of trials
Calculated by dividing the number of favorable 
outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes
Application Used when data is collected through 
experimentation or observation
Used when predicting outcomes for theoretical scenarios
Examples Tossing a coin or rolling a die multiple times 
to determine the probability of an event
Calculating the probability of drawing a certain 
card from a deck or the probability of winning 
a game with specific rules

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Experimental Probability

Probability means the chances of a number of occurrences of an event. In simple language, it is the possibility that an event will occur or not. The concept of probability can be applied to some experiments like coin tossing, dice throwing, playing cards, etc. Experimental Probability is one of the interesting concepts of Probability. Before diving down into the definition, Let’s start understanding this concept through our daily life situations. 

We all have heard typical monsoon forecasts like, “Kerala remains under high alert expecting heavy rains and winds as a result of cyclone Burevi” and similar other headlines, right? But have you ever thought that how these expectations sometimes turn into reality? The reason behind the chances, expectations, doubts, and forecasts is Probability. Probability in simple meaning gives us the predictions of an event that may or may not be happened based on our past experiences. And these Past experience is based upon the experiment of events. 

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What is Probability?

The branch of mathematics that tells us about the likelihood of the occurrence of any event is the probability. Probability tells us about the chances of happening an event. The probability of any element that is sure to occur is One(1) whereas the probability of any impossible event is Zero(0). The probability of all the elements ranges between 0 to 1....

What is Experimental Probability?

Experimental probability is a type of probability that is calculated by conducting an actual experiment or by performing a series of trials to observe the occurrence of an event. It is also known as empirical probability....

What is Theoretical Probability?

Theoretical Probability deals with assumptions in order to avoid unfeasible or expensive repetition experiments. The theoretical Probability for an Event A can be calculated as follows:...

Experimental Probability vs Theoretical Probability

There are some key differences between Experimental and Theoretical Probability, some of which are as follows:...

Solved Examples of Experimental Probability

Example 1. Let’s take an example of tossing a coin, tossing it 40 times, and recording the observations. By using the formula, we can find the experimental probability for heads and tails as shown in the below table....

FAQs on Experimental Probability

Define experimental probability....

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