Rank the following events on a scale from 0 (Impossible) to 1 (Certain). Label each event: Impossible, less likely, equally likely (even chance), more likely, certain. Give reasons why you gave each event its ranking.
The next Monday will come after Sunday.
Rank: 1, Label: Certain. Reason: Monday always comes after Sunday, meaning the event is guaranteed to happen, so its probability is 1.
It will snow in Mumbai in July.
Rank: 0, Label: Impossible. Reason: It cannot snow in Mumbai in July, meaning the event cannot happen, so its probability is 0.
An elephant will walk through your classroom today.
Rank: Close to 0, Label: Less likely. Reason: It is not absolutely impossible, but it is highly unlikely to happen, placing it near 0 on the probability scale.
You will greet at least one friend at school tomorrow.
Rank: Close to 1, Label: More likely. Reason: It is not absolutely certain, but it has a very high chance of happening, placing it near 1 on the probability scale.
Explanation
The textbook introduces the probability scale from 0 (Impossible) to 1 (Certain), with labels like 'less likely', 'even chance', and 'more likely' in between. Event (i) is a guaranteed fact (Certain, 1). Event (ii) cannot happen (Impossible, 0). Event (iii) is highly improbable but not strictly impossible like rolling a 7, making it 'Less likely' (close to 0). Event (iv) has a high chance of occurring but isn't an absolute guarantee, making it 'More likely' (close to 1).