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1. Probability : Finding the
Possible Outcomes
7th Grade Math
Alejandro Hernandez
This presentation was adapted from match fishtank,
https://www.matchfishtank.org/curriculum/mathematics/7th-grade-math/probability/

2. Objectives & Standards
• Students will know how to find the possible outcomes of a probability
problem.
• Students will know how to write the possible outcomes of a probability
problem in multiple ways.
• CCSS.M.7.SP.7a Develop a uniform probability model by assigning equal
probability to all outcomes, and use the model to determine probabilities of
events. For example, if a student is selected at random from a class, find the
probability that Jane will be selected and the probability that a girl will be
selected.
• CCSS.M.7.SP.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., “rolling double sixes”), identify the
outcomes in the sample space which compose the event.

3. Educational Hook
Think of a time you heard someone say, “What are the chances of that?” Maybe
it was you who said it! Briefly write down the situation and describe what could
have been other possible outcomes in that specific situation? What else could
have happened that didn’t?

4. Outcomes in Probability
- With every situation, there are a variety of outcomes
- Understanding how to find and identify all the outcomes is key to
probability application
- These outcomes can vary depending on the number of factors that influence
events (i.e. rolling a dice, picking from a deck of cards, flipping a coin, etc.)

6. Now You Try
Thoughts on the Video?
• Why is it important that we understand all the possible outcomes in a
probability problem?
• What lead you to come up with this thought?

8. Different Ways to Find and Write the
Outcomes
1. LIST
• Example: We have a bag with 4 different colored marbles in it and a coin to
flip. What are the possible outcomes?
Blue, Heads Orange, Heads
Blue, Tails Orange, Tails
Red, Heads Green, Heads
Red, Tails Green, Tails

9. 2. TABLE
• Example: We have a bag with 4 different colored marbles in it and a coin to
flip. What are the possible outcomes?
Blue Red Orange Green
Heads Blue, Heads Red, Heads Orange, Heads Green, Heads
Tails Blue, Tails Red, Tails Orange, Tails Green, Tails

10. 3. TREE DIAGRAM
Blue
Heads
Tails
Red
Heads
Tails
Orange
Heads
Tails
Green
Heads
Tails
Heads
Blue
Red
Orange
Green
Tails
Blue
Red
Orange
Green
Option 1 Option 2

11. Now You Try
• If we didn’t include all the possible outcomes, what effect might that have?
• What if we included more outcomes than possible, what effect might that
have?
• Based on these effects, what would happen as a result?

12. - Which of the following accurately depicts the correct possible outcomes?
Example: We have a spinner with sections numbered 1-5 and a coin to toss.
What are the possible outcomes?
A. B. C. D.
1H 1T
2H 2T
3H 3T
4H 4T
1H 1T
2H 2T
3H 3T
4H 4T
5H 5T
1H 1T
2T 2T
3H 3T
4H 4H
5H 5T
1H 1T
2H 2T
3H 3T
4H 4T
5H 5T
6H 6T

13. 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 1,1 2,1 3,1 4,1 5,1 6,1
2 1,2 2,2 3,2 4,2 5,2 6,2
3 1,3 2,3 3,3 4,3 5,3 6,3
4 1,4 2,4 3,4 4,4 5,4 6,4
5 1,5 2,5 3,5 4,5 5,5 6,5
6 1,6 2,6 3,6 4,6 5,6 6,6
If we roll two 6-sided dice, what are all the possible outcomes we can
get?

14. Tips for Finding Outcomes
- Choose a way that you are most comfortable with to begin (list, chart,
or tree diagram)
- Make your list, chart, or tree diagram organized and clear to avoid
any confusion
- Underline or highlight the key information such as colors, numbers,
letters, or other items that determine outcomes
- If possible and if time allows, double check by using another method
to ensure you have all the outcomes down

15. Now You Try