Which of these numbers can not be a probability?

0.5

-0.000001

0

1

1 answer

In probability theory, a probability must always be between 0 and 1, inclusive. This means:

  • It can be 0 (indicating an impossible event).
  • It can be 1 (indicating a certain event).
  • It can be any number in between (e.g., 0.5).

Now, let's evaluate the given numbers:

  • 0.5: This is a valid probability.
  • -0.000001: This is not a valid probability since it is negative.
  • 0: This is a valid probability (indicating an impossible event).
  • 1: This is a valid probability (indicating a certain event).

Therefore, the number that cannot be a probability is -0.000001.