Confirm the right online support
Start with the learner’s own work and confirm the subject and course before arranging an online session. Meet Kevin and Serena, then agree the lesson format, fee and current availability.
Practical guide · Updated
Probability without the missing outcome
A probability calculation depends on a complete, appropriate set of outcomes. A tidy fraction can still be wrong if the list underneath it is incomplete.
A practical example
For two fair six-sided dice, make a 6 by 6 outcome grid. A total of 7 occurs in six ordered pairs, so its probability is 6/36 = 1/6. Listing only the totals from 2 to 12 incorrectly treats totals with different numbers of combinations as equally likely.
Try a different total and explain why the grid is the useful model. Bring the attempt to an online lesson so the tutor can see the enumeration, not just the final fraction. Current lesson format and tutor availability should be confirmed with the Smethwick-based team.
Sample space first, probability second
A fair coin is tossed twice. List HH, HT, TH and TT before finding the probability of exactly one head. Two of the four equally likely ordered outcomes qualify, so the probability is one half.
Ask why listing only “two heads, one head, no heads” and assigning each one third is incorrect. Those three categories do not have equal numbers of underlying outcomes. A clear sample space exposes that issue before fractions are calculated, and the explanation can be shared just as well in an online session.
Before you arrange support
Where are in-person lessons based?
Teaching Success’s in-person base is Smethwick. This guide is for online enquiries from families elsewhere, with the tutor, subject and times confirmed before booking.
What should I include in an enquiry?
Include the subject, year group, exam board or tier where relevant, and the learning goal. Kevin and Serena will confirm whether suitable support and times are available.