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How is the probability of event E calculated?

  1. Number of total outcomes / Number of outcomes favorable to Event E

  2. Number of outcomes favorable to Event E / Total number of outcomes possible

  3. Number of outcomes favorable to Event E + Total number of outcomes possible

  4. Number of outcomes unfavorable to Event E / Total number of outcomes possible

The correct answer is: Number of outcomes favorable to Event E / Total number of outcomes possible

The probability of an event E is defined as the ratio of the number of outcomes that are favorable to event E to the total number of possible outcomes. This concept is based on the premise that probability measures the likelihood of an event occurring, and it is expressed mathematically as P(E) = (Number of favorable outcomes) / (Total number of possible outcomes). In this case, the favorable outcomes are those specific results that align with event E occurring, while the total outcomes encompass all the possible results that could happen in the given scenario. This ratio provides a clear representation of how likely event E is to happen compared to all conceivable outcomes, leading to an intuitive understanding of the event's chance of occurrence. Other approaches, such as adding favorable outcomes to total outcomes or calculating unfavorable outcomes, do not align with the standard definition of probability, which centers around the relationship between favorable outcomes and total possible outcomes. This highlights the importance of understanding the correct formula for probability to make accurate calculations in related problems.