Question

Probability of getting a head in a fair coin toss:

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 1/2
• D. 2

Hint:

The sum of probabilities of all elementary events in an experiment is always 1. Here, $P(H) + P(T) = 0.5 + 0.5 = 1$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The given problem is to determine the probability of getting a head in a toss of a fair coin.

In probability, a fair coin is one where both possible outcomes (heads or tails) are equally likely. Here’s the step-by-step explanation:

1. Sample Space:
   • A fair coin has two possible outcomes when tossed: Heads (H) or Tails (T).
2. Probability Formula:
   • The probability of an event occurring is given by the formula: \(P(\text{Event}) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of possible outcomes}}\)
3. Calculation:
   • Number of favorable outcomes (getting a Head) = 1
   • Total number of possible outcomes = 2 (since it can either be a Head or a Tail)
   • Thus, the probability of getting a Head is: \(P(\text{Head}) = \frac{1}{2}\)
4. Conclusion:
   • Therefore, the probability of getting a head in a fair coin toss is \(\frac{1}{2}\). This justifies that the correct answer from the given options is 1/2.

Outcome	Probability
Head	\(\frac{1}{2}\)
Tail	\(\frac{1}{2}\)

This table shows that both outcomes have an equal and fair probability, reinforcing that the coin is fair.