What is used to calculate probability?

The calculation of probability is fundamentally based on quantifying the likelihood of a specific event occurring against all possible outcomes. The correct method involves taking the number of favorable outcomes—those that align with the event we are interested in—and dividing it by the total number of outcomes within the sample space. This formula reflects the concept that probability is a measure of how many times an event can happen compared to all events that can possibly happen.

For example, if you are calculating the probability of rolling a 3 on a six-sided die, there is one favorable outcome (rolling a 3) and six total outcomes (1 through 6). Therefore, the probability would be calculated as 1 divided by 6, which illustrates how this formula effectively expresses the likelihood of that particular event.

The other options do not represent the proper calculation of probability. Total outcomes divided by unfavorable outcomes doesn’t yield a meaningful probability figure as it doesn't relate the desired event to all possible scenarios. Adding favorable and unfavorable outcomes does not reflect the ratio needed for probability. Multiplying favorable outcomes by total outcomes also misrepresents the relationship of interest since it does not account for the totality of outcomes in a way that conveys the likelihood of an event occurring.