M4.6.4 For the adult

Tree diagrams

A bag has 3 red and 2 blue counters. I take one, look, put it back, and take another. What is the chance of one of each colour?

What this chapter teaches

A tree diagram follows events in order. The branches from one point add to 1. Multiply along a path for "and", and add the paths that end in the event for "or". All the ends together add to 1, which is a good check.

Three questions to ask

There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.

  1. Why do the branches from one point on a tree add up to 1?
  2. Why do you multiply along a path but add between paths?
  3. A coin is tossed three times. How many ends does the tree have, and why?

After the chapter, the learner can

  • Draw a tree diagram for two events
  • Find probabilities by multiplying along the branches

What they copy into their notebook

A tree shows events in order. Branches from one point add to 1. Multiply along a path. Add the ends that make the event. All ends add to 1.

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