Question

What does at least mean in probability?

Answer 1

Probability is expressed as the event which is likely to occur. It is defined as the ratio of favorable outcomes to the total possible outcomes. Here, at least means it can be greater than or equal to the given number but not less than it. Here we will take one example to understand it clearly.

Complete step-by-step answer :
Let us take an example, where three coins are tossed together and then find the probability of getting – At least two heads
Here first of all find the possible outcomes when three coins are tossed in which we have a total of eight outcomes.
Possible outcomes when three coins are tossed together – TTT, THT, TTH, THH, HHT, HTH, HHH, HHT
Now, at least two heads mean the minimum number of heads should be equal to two or more.
The favorable outcomes are - THH, HHT, HTH, HHT, HHH ….. (A)
Hence, four outcomes are favorable out of the eight total possible outcomes.

Note: Don’t get confused between the two terms at least and at most. Least means the minimum small number or the border or the limit to start with and at most means the number or limit maximum it can hold for most values it can be less than equal to the given value. Understand the words properly and always take the reference example to understand the concepts.