Lesson 9

Using Tables for Conditional Probability

The mathematical purpose of this lesson is for students to create and use two-way tables to estimate conditional probabilities, and to decide if events are independent. The work of this lesson connects to previous work because students investigated conditional probability and independence. The work of this lesson connects to upcoming work because students will continue to use probability to recognize dependent and independent events, and to practice finding probabilities for dependent and independent events. In the Math Talk activity, students have an opportunity to notice and make use of structure (MP7) when they recognize fraction bars as part of a fraction as well as representing division.

Technology isn't required for this lesson, but there are opportunities for students to choose to use appropriate technology to solve problems. We recommend making technology available.

Interpret (in written language) two-way tables to estimate probabilities including conditional probability.
Use probabilities, including conditional probability, to justify (orally and in writing) that events are dependent or independent.

Let’s use tables to estimate conditional probabilities.

I can estimate probabilities, including conditional probabilities, from two-way tables.
I can use probabilities and conditional probabilities to decide if events are independent.

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