CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.8
The standard
Find probabilities of compound events using organized lists, tables, tree diagrams, and simulation.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Statistics and Probability
What this standard means
Students need to find the chance of events with more than one step, like flipping two coins, drawing two cards, or choosing an outfit. They should use organized lists, tables, tree diagrams, and simulations to show all possible outcomes and count the favorable ones.
Mastery means students can choose a good tool, list outcomes without missing or repeating them, and write the probability as a fraction, decimal, or percent. Common trouble spots are assuming outcomes are equally likely when they are not, losing track of replacement, and making messy diagrams that hide outcomes.
Ways to teach it
- Have students roll two number cubes 50 times, record sums in a table, then compare experimental probability to the full outcome chart.
- Ask students to explain which is more likely, getting two heads in two coin flips or a sum of 7 with two dice.
- Give a four-question exit ticket with one tree diagram, one table, one list, and one simulation result to interpret.
- Use a school lunch choice problem with entrees, sides, and drinks, then have students find the chance of one full meal combination.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.8
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.8c
Design and use a simulation to generate frequencies for compound events.
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-CP.B
Use the rules of probability to compute probabilities of compound events in a uniform probability model
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.8b
Represent sample spaces for compound events using methods such as organized lists, tables and tree diagrams. For an event described in everyday language (e.g., ...
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-CP.B.9
(+) Use permutations and combinations to compute probabilities of compound events and solve problems.