Question

Decide which of these numbers could not possibly be probabilities. Explain your answers.

$\left(a\right)0.047\left(b\right)-0.047\left(c\right)3.5\left(d\right)\frac{1}{3.5}$

Short answer

$-0.047\mathrm{and}3.5$could not possibly be probabilities.

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) Step 1. Given information.

The given statement is:

Decide which of these numbers could not possibly be probabilities. Explain your answers.

$\left(a\right)0.047\left(b\right)-0.047\left(c\right)3.5\left(d\right)\frac{1}{3.5}$

Part (a) Step 2. Determine Whether 0.047 represents the probability of an event or not.

We know from the concept of probability that any occurrence should have a probability that is greater than 0 but less than 1.

The given number 0.047 is a number that is both larger than 0 and less than 1.

As a result, 0.047 can be considered a probability.

Part (b) Step 1. Determine Whether -0.047 represents the probability of an event or not.

The given number $-0.047$is a number that is less than 0.

As a result, $-0.047$can not be considered a probability.

Part (c) Step 1. Determine Whether 3.5 represents the probability of an event or not.

The given number 3.5 is a number that is larger than 1.

As a result, 3.5 can not be considered a probability.

Part (d) Step 1. Determine Whether 13.5represents the probability of an event or not.

The given number $\frac{1}{3.5}$is a number that is both larger than 0 and less than 1.

As a result,$\frac{1}{3.5}$ can be considered a probability.