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Probability Word Problems Quiz Generator

Generate printable multiple-choice probability word-problem quizzes covering likelihood language and simple equally likely events with verified answers.

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Learn probability word problems

Probability describes how likely an event is, from impossible through certain. For equally likely outcomes, probability is favorable outcomes divided by total outcomes.

By the end of this lesson

You will turn everyday probability language into favorable outcomes over total outcomes.

Review first if you need it: Fraction Operations, Ratios & Proportions
01

The idea in plain English

Probability measures how likely an event is. Zero means impossible; one means certain.

For equally likely outcomes, count the results you want and divide by all possible results.

02

How to recognise this kind of question

  • The question uses words such as chance, likely, randomly, or probability.
  • A set of possible outcomes is described.
  • You must identify which outcomes count as success.

Quick decision: Write what you want on top and every possible equally likely outcome on the bottom.

03

The method

  1. Identify the event and all equally likely possible outcomes.
  2. Count the outcomes that satisfy the event.
  3. Write favorable outcomes over total outcomes and reduce the fraction.
  4. Check whether the result matches the event's likelihood description.
04

Worked examples

Start here

A bag contains 3 red and 9 blue counters. Find P(red).

  1. There are 3 favorable outcomes and 12 total.

Answer:

A little harder

A bag has 3 red and 5 blue counters. Find P(red).

  1. Favorable red counters: 3.
  2. Total counters: 3 + 5 = 8.

Answer:

05

Your turn—with help

Try it

A fair die is rolled. What is P(number greater than 4)?

Need a hint?

List the die results greater than 4.

Show the answer and steps
  1. Favorable outcomes are 5 and 6: 2 outcomes.
  2. There are 6 total outcomes.

Answer:

06

Watch out for this mistake

Incorrect:

Why it fails: The denominator must include every possible counter, not only the unwanted ones.

Do this instead: There are 6 total counters, so P(red) = 2/6 = 1/3.

07

Quick check

Try these without looking. Then open each answer to check your thinking.

Question 1

P(heads) on one fair coin toss

Need a hint?

One favorable side out of two.

Show the answer and steps
  1. Heads is 1 outcome; total is 2.

Answer:

Question 2

P(rolling a 3 on a fair die)

Need a hint?

Only one face shows 3.

Show the answer and steps
  1. 1 favorable outcome over 6 total.

Answer:

Question 3

Bag: 2 green, 3 yellow. P(green)

Need a hint?

Total the counters first.

Show the answer and steps
  1. 2 green out of 5 total.

Answer:

Remember thisWanted outcomes over all possible outcomes.

Common mistakes

  • Using unfavorable outcomes as the numerator.
  • Forgetting to include every outcome in the total.
  • Calling a probability greater than one-half unlikely.

Practice tips

  • State the event in words before counting.
  • Estimate whether the answer should be below, equal to, or above one-half.
Free printable practice

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Worksheet #482731
Probability practice

Probability Word Problems

Name Date

Select the best answer for each probability question.

  1. A bag contains 8 square counters and 8 counters of other colors. How would you describe the chance of selecting a square counter?
    1. A.Impossible
    2. B.Unlikely
    3. C.Likely
    4. D.As likely as unlikely
  2. A bag contains 7 equally likely counters, and 5 are blue. What is the probability of selecting a blue counter?
    1. A.
    2. B.
    3. C.
    4. D.
  3. A bag contains 4 red counters and 0 counters of other colors. How would you describe the chance of selecting a red counter?
    1. A.As likely as unlikely
    2. B.Impossible
    3. C.Certain
    4. D.Unlikely
  4. A bag contains 14 equally likely counters, and 13 are pear. What is the probability of selecting a pear counter?
    1. A.
    2. B.1
    3. C.
    4. D.
  5. A bag contains 2 blue counters and 7 counters of other colors. How would you describe the chance of selecting a blue counter?
    1. A.As likely as unlikely
    2. B.Unlikely
    3. C.Likely
    4. D.Impossible
  6. A bag contains 12 equally likely counters, and 6 are green. What is the probability of selecting a green counter?
    1. A.
    2. B.
    3. C.
    4. D.
  7. A bag contains 5 pear counters and 6 counters of other colors. How would you describe the chance of selecting a pear counter?
    1. A.Impossible
    2. B.Likely
    3. C.As likely as unlikely
    4. D.Unlikely
  8. A bag contains 16 equally likely counters, and 5 are large. What is the probability of selecting a large counter?
    1. A.
    2. B.
    3. C.
    4. D.
  9. A bag contains 1 pear counters and 4 counters of other colors. How would you describe the chance of selecting a pear counter?
    1. A.Likely
    2. B.Impossible
    3. C.As likely as unlikely
    4. D.Unlikely
  10. A bag contains 7 equally likely counters, and 5 are circle. What is the probability of selecting a circle counter?
    1. A.
    2. B.
    3. C.
    4. D.
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