To determine which term best describes the probability of choosing a penny from the 1980s out of a bag, let's examine the given probability step by step.
1. Identify the Given Probability:
- The probability of selecting a penny from the 1980s is given as [tex]\(\frac{3}{40}\)[/tex].
2. Convert the Fraction to a Decimal:
- First, convert the fraction [tex]\(\frac{3}{40}\)[/tex] into a decimal to understand its magnitude better:
[tex]\[
\frac{3}{40} = 0.075
\][/tex]
3. Interpret the Decimal Probability:
- The resulting decimal probability is 0.075.
4. Classify the Probability:
- Probabilities range between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates an impossible event and 1 indicates a certain event.
- Values close to 0 generally indicate the event is unlikely to happen. Conversely, values close to 1 indicate that the event is likely or certain.
5. Term Definitions:
- Impossible: A probability of exactly 0.
- Unlikely: A probability close to 0.
- Likely: A probability close to 1 but not exactly 1.
- Certain: A probability of exactly 1.
6. Determine the Best Term:
- Given that 0.075 is closer to 0 than to 1, it suggests that the event of picking a penny from the 1980s is not very likely.
7. Conclusion:
- Therefore, the probability of [tex]\(\frac{3}{40}\)[/tex] (or 0.075) is best described by the term "unlikely".
So, the correct term to describe this probability is unlikely.
