Grade 3
  1. Number Sense and Numeration  1.1. Understanding Numbers  1.1.1. Reading and Writing Numbers up to 10,000  1.1.2. Place Value up to Thousands  1.1.3. Comparing and Ordering Numbers  1.1.4. Rounding Numbers to the Nearest Ten and Hundred  1.1.5. Skip Counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, and 100s up to 1,000  1.2. Operations with Whole Numbers  1.2.1. Addition and Subtraction up to 1,000  1.2.2. Multiplication Facts (up to 10 x 10)  1.2.3. Division Facts (up to 100)  1.2.4. Multiplication as Repeated Addition  1.2.5. Division as Equal Sharing  1.2.6. Word Problems with Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division  1.3. Estimation  1.3.1. Estimating Sums and Differences  1.3.2. Estimating Products and Quotients  1.4. Understanding Even and Odd Numbers
  2. Fractions and Decimals  2.1. Understanding Fractions  2.1.1. Identifying and Representing Fractions  2.1.2. Fractions of a Whole and Part of a Set  2.1.3. Comparing and Ordering Fractions with Like Denominators  2.1.4. Equivalent Fractions  2.1.5. Simple Fraction Word Problems  2.2. Introduction to Decimals  2.2.1. Tenths and Hundredths as Decimals  2.2.2. Relationship between Fractions and Decimals
  3. Measurement  3.1. Length  3.1.1. Measuring in Centimeters and Meters  3.1.2. Comparing and Ordering Lengths  3.1.3. Estimating Lengths  3.1.4. Converting Between Centimeters and Meters  3.2. Mass  3.2.1. Measuring in Grams and Kilograms  3.2.2. Estimating and Comparing Mass  3.3. Capacity  3.3.1. Measuring in Milliliters and Liters  3.3.2. Estimating and Comparing Capacity  3.4. Time  3.4.1. Telling Time to the Nearest Minute  3.4.2. Calculating Elapsed Time  3.4.3. Using a Calendar  3.4.4. Understanding A.M. and P.M.  3.5. Area and Perimeter  3.5.1. Calculating Perimeter of Simple Shapes  3.5.2. Estimating and Measuring Area of Shapes  3.5.3. Finding Area by Counting Squares
  4. Geometry  4.1. Properties of Shapes  4.1.1. Identifying 2D Shapes (Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, etc.)  4.1.2. Identifying 3D Shapes (Cubes, Spheres, Cylinders, etc.)  4.1.3. Describing Attributes of 2D and 3D Shapes  4.1.4. Recognizing Parallel and Perpendicular Lines  4.2. Symmetry and Transformations  4.2.1. Recognizing Lines of Symmetry  4.2.2. Identifying Flips, Slides, and Turns  4.3. Angles  4.3.1. Understanding Right Angles  4.3.2. Comparing Angles (Acute, Right, Obtuse)
  5. Data Management and Probability  5.1. Data Collection and Organization  5.1.1. Collecting Data using Surveys and Experiments  5.1.2. Organizing Data using Tally Charts and Tables  5.2.1. Creating and Interpreting Pictographs  5.2.2. Creating and Interpreting Bar Graphs  5.2.3. Reading Simple Line Graphs  5.3. Probability  5.3.1. Understanding Basic Probability Terms (Certain, Possible, Impossible)  5.3.2. Predicting Outcomes  5.3.3. Simple Probability Experiments
  6. Patterns and Algebra  6.1. Patterns  6.1.1. Identifying and Extending Numeric Patterns  6.1.2. Identifying and Extending Shape Patterns  6.1.3. Creating Patterns Using Rules  6.2. Introduction to Algebra  6.2.1. Understanding Variables as Unknowns  6.2.2. Solving Simple Addition and Subtraction Equations  6.2.3. Using Patterns to Solve Problems
  7. Problem-Solving Skills  7.1. Strategies for Problem-Solving  7.1.1. Using Pictures or Diagrams  7.1.2. Identifying Patterns in Problems  7.1.3. Making Organized Lists  7.1.4. Guessing and Checking  7.1.5. Using Logical Reasoning  7.1.6. Breaking Down Problems into Steps

Grade 3 → Data Management and Probability → Probability ↓


Understanding Basic Probability Terms (Certain, Possible, Impossible)


Probability means understanding the likelihood of something happening. In grade 3 math, we start learning about the basic concepts of probability, such as certain, possible, and impossible. These words help us tell how likely an event is to happen. Let's understand these words with easy examples and understand them better!

What is probability?

Probability is a measure of how likely an event is to occur. It helps us predict the future and make decisions. For example, we use probability when we decide to carry an umbrella based on the weather forecast. Probability can be described in terms such as certain, possible, or impossible, and can also be represented in numbers from 0 to 1, where 0 means an event is impossible, and 1 means it is certain.

Some events

A certain event is something that will definitely happen. There is no doubt or uncertainty about it. In terms of probability, the probability of certain events is 1. Here is a simple example for more understanding:

    Example: The sun will rise in the East tomorrow.

The sun rising in the east is an event that happens every day. There is no possibility of it not happening, so it is a certain event.

Visual example

Fixed eventthe sun rises in the east

Possible events

A possible event is one that could happen, but might not. It involves some uncertainty. In probability, possible events have a probability between 0 and 1. Let's look at an easy-to-understand example:

    Example: It might rain tomorrow.

According to the weather forecast, there is a chance of rain. But sometimes it rains and sometimes it doesn't, making it a probable event.

Visual example

Possible eventit might rain tomorrow

Impossible events

An impossible event is one that cannot happen, no matter what the circumstances are. Impossible events have a probability of 0. Here is an example to make this concept clear:

    Example: A cat turning into a dog.

Cats cannot transform into dogs due to the nature of their species. Therefore, this is an impossible event.

Visual example

Impossible eventa cat turning into a dog

More examples for better understanding

Let's look at some more text examples to better understand these basic probability terms:

Example 1: Throwing a dice

    - Certain: Rolling a number from 1 to 6. - Possible: Rolling an even number. - Impossible: Rolling a 7.

In this example, a standard die has six sides numbered 1 through 6, making it certain that any of these numbers will come up. An even number (2, 4, or 6) is possible, but a 7 is impossible.

Example 2: A bag of marbles

    Bag: 3 red, 2 blue marble - Certain: Pulling out a marble. - Possible: Pulling out a blue marble. - Impossible: Pulling out a green marble.

If the bag contains only red and blue marbles, drawing a marble is certain. Drawing a blue marble is possible, but drawing a green marble is impossible, because there are no green marbles in the bag.

Example 3: Choosing a card from a deck

    - Certain: Picking any card. - Possible: Picking a heart. - Impossible: Picking a joker in a standard deck.

A standard deck of cards includes hearts, so it is possible to pick a heart. A standard deck of 52 cards contains no jokers, so it is impossible to pick a joker.

Why is it important to understand probability?

Understanding probability helps us make informed decisions in everyday life. It helps us analyze events and situations by estimating the likelihood of different outcomes. Be it games, predictions or choosing plans, having an understanding of probability sharpens decision-making abilities.

Practice questions to test understanding

Now that we have explained certain, possible, and impossible events, try answering the following questions to test your understanding:

Question 1

What happens if you spill a glass of milk:

  • Are you sure it will spread everywhere?
  • Is it possible that it will fall just a little?
  • Is it impossible that it won't fall at all?

Question 2

Is it certain, possible, or impossible?

  • Have you found the fish that lives on the moon?
  • Breathe air on Earth?
  • Have you seen the number 8 on a playing card?

Question 3

If you pick a day of the week at random, will it be:

  • Is it certain that it will be a weekday?
  • Could it be the weekend?
  • Is a rainy day impossible?

Review these questions and check your answers to think about which options are certain, possible, or impossible.

Conclusion

The basic probability terms certain, possible, and impossible are essential to understanding the world around us. These terms provide a language that helps us express our ideas about the likelihood of events. By familiarizing ourselves with these fundamental concepts, we equip ourselves with the ability to better interpret and respond to various situations in life.

Keep searching!

As students progress in their studies, they will encounter more complex aspects of probability, but understanding these fundamental terms is an important step. Continue observing real-world scenarios and try to classify events as certain, possible, or impossible to gain more confidence in applying these concepts.


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Understanding Basic Probability Terms (Certain, Possible, Impossible)

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