SAT Subject Test Mathematics Level 2

PROBABILITY

To answer a probability question, you need to know not only how to use the general probability
formula, but also how to deal with multiple probabilities and probabilities that events will not
occur. You have a little bit of everything in Example 9.

Example 9

It’s unlikely that a probability question on Math 2 will hinge only on applying the basic probability
formula. Instead, a question is much more likely to call on you to figure out the probability of two
independent events, or to determine the likelihood that an event will not occur by subtracting the
probability that it will occur from 1. In this example, you’re asked to figure the probability of an
event that could occur in more than one way. To do so, follow four simple steps.

PROBABILITY FORMULAS

If  the probability that    an  event   will    occur   is  a,  then    the probability that    the event   will    not

occur   is  1   –   a.

Two fair    dice    are tossed  simultaneously. What    is  the probability that    the product of  the numbers

that    land    showing is  at  least   25?

1.

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)