what is the probability that a survey student oppose legalization of marijuana?

Question

in a poll of 626 university students, 292 said that they were opposed to legalizing marijuana.

3/17/2014 | Michelle from Union, NJ | 2 Answers | 0 Votes

Answer 1

Total students = 626

Student Opposing = 292

we'll solve this as a ratio to find out how it pens down;

626 : 292

2.143 : 1

≅ 2 : 1

so from this, 1 out of every 3 student opposed or would oppose the legalization of marijuana.

3/17/2014 | Ebenezer O.

Comments

The ratio 2:1 does not mean 1 out of every 2 students. 1 out of every 2 is half of them, which would be a 1:1 ratio, i.e. equal. 2:1 means 2 students on one side and 1 student on the other side, for 3 students total. That is, 2 are for and 1 is against, 3 total students.

3/17/2014 | Kay G.

Thanks Kay i'll correct that.

3/17/2014 | Ebenezer O.

Answer 2

The probability of something is the answer you're looking for (i.e. that fits the criteria) divided by total possible answers.

You're looking for those opposed, which is 292.

The total possible is 262, since there's 626 total students in the survey.

Hence, P(opposed) = 292/626.

It is appropriate to leave it as a fraction and reduce it, or divide and get a decimal number. Your instructor may prefer a specific format for the answer, and for rounding decimals.