Question

Which of these numbers cannot be a probability?

A) $ - 0.00001$

B) $0.5$ 

C) $1.001$

D) $0$

Answer 1

Hint: We are giving a certain set of numbers and we have to find that number which cannot be a probability for that firstly we should understand that The probability of an event is a number describing the chance that the event will happen. An event that is certain to happen has a probability of $1$. On the basis of these concepts we will check each number and find whether it can be a probability or not. 

Complete step-by-step answer:

Let's analyze the given options.

A)  The first number we are given is $ - 0.00001$. The number is a negative number. Probability can’t be negative because if the probability of something occurring is $0$, then it is impossible for it to occur. Probability cannot be lower than impossible.

B) The second number we are given is $0.5$. Yes this can be a probability because it can be a number that lies between $0$ and $1$.

C) The next number we are given is $1.001$. This can be a probability because probability is the possible events to take place in a mathematical way. But it cannot be more than $1$ because the probability of an event to occur more than the total number of events is impossible.

D) The next number we are given is $0$. An event that cannot possibly happen has a probability of zero. If there is a chance that an event will happen then its probability is between $0$ and $1$.

Hence, option (A) and option (C) are the correct options. 

Note: An event that cannot possibly happen has a probability of zero if there is a chance that an event will happen then its probability is between $0$ and $1$. The sum of probabilities will always be equal to $1$.