No label defined (Q4406573)

The concept of probability is introduced by means of the following primary concepts: random event, trial, simple event and the space of simple events. The axiomatic, classical and statistical definitions of the probability of a random event are described. The author introduces basic types of random events, operations with random events, and the theorems of addition and multiplication of probabilities. The ideas presented are illustrated by simple and clear examples. The article is based on a lecture given by the author for secondary school teachers in the framework of the ``International Soros Science Educational Program'' and is aimed at presenting contemporary developments in mathematics on an elementary level understandable for secondary school teachers and pupils.