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Probability Class 11 Notes CBSE Maths Chapter 14 (Free PDF Download)

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Revision Notes for CBSE Class 11 Maths Chapter 14 (Probability) - Free PDF Download

Free PDF download of Class 11 Maths revision notes & short key-notes for Probability of Chapter 14 to score high marks in exams, prepared by expert mathematics teachers from latest edition of CBSE books.

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Probability Class 11 Notes Maths - Basic Subjective Questions


Section–A (1 Mark Questions)

1. While shuffling a pack of 52 playing cards, 2 are accidentally dropped. Find the probability that the missing cards to be of different colours.

Ans. We know that out of 52 playing cards, 26 are of red and 26 of black colour.

$\therefore P$ (Both cards of different colour)

$$\begin{aligned}=\frac{{ }^{26} C_1 \times{ }^{26} C_1}{{ }^{52} C_2}=\frac{26 \times26}{\left(\frac{52 \times 51}{2}\right)} & =\frac{26}{51} . \\\therefore \text { Required probability } & =\frac{61 \times 2 !}{7 !} \\& =\frac{6 ! \times 2}{7 \times 6 !}=\frac{2}{7} .\end{aligned}$$


2. The probability that a person visiting a zoo will see the giraffe is 0.72, the probability that he will see the bears is 0.84 and the probability that he will see both is 0.52. State whether the given statement is true or false.

Ans. Given that:

P (to see giraffe) = 0.72

P (to see giraffe) = 0.72

P ( to see both giraffe and bears) = 0.52

$\therefore$ P ( to see giraffe or bear)

= P ( to see giraffe) + P ( to see bear) - P( to see both) = 0.72 + 0.84 - 0.52

= 1.04 which is not possible

Hence, the given statement is false. 


3. A single letter is selected at random from the word ‘PROBABILITY’. The probability that it is a vowel is. 

Ans. Total number of alphabets in the word ‘PROBABILITY’ = 11

Number of vowels = 4

$\therefore$ Required probability $=\frac{4}{11}$ .


4. Seven persons are to be seated in a row. What is the probability that two particular persons sit next to each other.

Ans. The two particular persons are to be seated next to each other then, they form one group. 

Now the permutation of 6 persons and total number of permutations of 7 persons =7!

$\therefore$ Required probability =$\frac{6!\times2!}{7!}$

=$\frac{6!\times2}{7\times6!} =\frac{2}{7}$


5. If A and B are two events associated with a random experiment such that $P(A)=0.3, P(B)=0.2$ and $P(A\cap B)=0.1$  then the value of $P(A)=0.3, P(B)=0.2 and P(A\cap \bar{B})=0.1$  is_____.

Ans. Given that: $P(A)=0.3, P(B)=0.2$ and $P(A\cap B)=0.1$

$P(A\cap \bar{B})=P(A)-P(A\cap B)$

=0.3-0.1

=0.2

Hence, the value of the $P(A\cap \bar{B})$  is 0.2.


Section–B (2 Marks Questions)

6. Three numbers are chosen from 1 to 20. Find the probability that they are not consecutive.

Ans. Set of three consecutive numbers from 1 to 20 are $1,2,3 ; 2,3,4 ; 3,4,5 ; \ldots, 18,19,20$.


So the probability that the numbers are


$$\begin{aligned}& \text { consecutive }=\frac{18}{{ }^{20} C_3} \\& =\frac{\frac{18}{20 !}}{3 ! \times 17 !}=\frac{18.3 ! .17 !}{20 !} \\& =\frac{18 \times 3 \times 2 \times 17 !}{20 \times 19 \times 18 \times 17 !} \\& =\frac{3 \times 2}{20 \times 19}=\frac{3}{190} \\& \therefore P(\text { Three numbers are not consecutive }) \\& =1-\frac{3}{190}=\frac{187}{190} .\end{aligned}$$


7. 6 boys and 6 girls sit in a row at random. Find the probability that all the girls sit together.

Ans. If all the girls sit together, then we consider it as 1 group.


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$\therefore$ Total number of arrangements of 6+1=7 persons in a row =7!

and the girls also interchanged their places with 6!  ways. 


$$\begin{aligned}\therefore \text { Required probability } & =\frac{6 ! \times 7 !}{12 !} \\& =\frac{6 \times 5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 7 !}{12 \times 11 \times 10 \times9\times 8 \times 7 !} \\& =\frac{1}{132},\end{aligned}$$


8. If A and B are mutually exclusive events, then show that $P(A)\leq P(\bar{B})$ .

Ans. For mutually exclusive events.

$$\begin{aligned}& P(A \cap B)=0 \\& \therefore P(A \cup B)=P(A)+P(B)[\because P(A \cap B)=0] \\& \Rightarrow P(A)+P(B) \leq 1 \\& \Rightarrow P(A)+1-P(\bar{B}) \leq 1[\because P(B)=1-P(\bar{B})] \\& \Rightarrow P(A)-P(\bar{B}) \leq 0 \\& \Rightarrow P(A) \leq P(\bar{B}) .\end{aligned}$$


9. If the odds in favour of an event be $\frac{3}{5}$ , then what is the probability of occurrence of event.

Ans. Let the given event be $E$ and $P(E)=x$

Odds in favour of $E=\frac{P(E)}{1-P(E)}$

$$\begin{aligned}& \Rightarrow \frac{P(E)}{1-P(E)}=\frac{3}{5} \Rightarrow \frac{x}{1-x}=\frac{3}{5} \\& \Rightarrow 5 x=3-3 x \Rightarrow x=\frac{3}{8} .\end{aligned}$$


10. If the letters of the word ALGORITHM are arranged at random in a row, what is the probability that the letters GOR must remain together as a unit.

Ans. The Word ALGORITHM has 9 letters.

If GOR remain together, then it will act as a single letter.

$\therefore$ Number of letters

$$=A L \text { GOR } I T H M=6+1=7$$

Number of words $=7$ !

And the total number of words from ALGORITHM $=9$ !

So, the required probability

$$=\frac{7 !}{9 !}=\frac{7 !}{9 \times 8 \times 7 !}=\frac{1}{72}$$

Hence, the required probability $=\frac{1}{72}$.


11. Six new employees, two of whom are married to each other, are to be assigned six desks that are lined up in a row. If the assignment of employees to desks is made randomly, what is the probability that the married couple will have non-adjacent desks.

Ans. Number of desks occupied by one couple $=1$

Only $(4+1)=5$ persons to be assigned.

$\therefore$ Number of ways of assigning these 5 persons $=5$ ! $\times 2$ !

Total number of ways of assigning these 6 persons $=6$ !

$\therefore$ Probability that a couple has adjacent desk $=\frac{51 \times 2 !}{6 !}=\frac{1}{3}$

So, the probability that the married couple will have no-adjacent desks $=1-\frac{1}{3}=\frac{2}{3}$ Hence, the required probability $=\frac{2}{3}$.


12. A card is drawn from a deck of 52 cards. Find the probability of getting a king or a heart or a red card.

Ans. Total number of cards $=52$

Favourable events $=4$ kings +13 hearts + $26 \mathrm{red}-13-2=28$

$\therefore$ Required probability $=\frac{28}{52}=\frac{7}{13}$.


13. In a large metropolitan area, the probabilities are 0.87, 0.36, 0.30 that a family (randomly chosen for a sample survey) owns a colour television set, a black and white television set, or both kinds of sets. What is the probability that a family owns either anyone or both kinds of sets.

Ans. Let $E_1$ be the even that a family owns colour television set and $E_2$ be the event that the family owns black and white television set.

Given that, $P\left(E_1\right)=0.87, P\left(E_2\right)=0.36$ and $P\left(E_1 \cap E_2\right)=0.30$

$\therefore$ The probability that a family owns either colour television set or black and white television set

$$\begin{aligned}P\left(E_1 \cup E_2\right) &=P\left(E_1\right)+P\left(E_2\right)-P\left(E_1 \cap E_2\right) \\& =0.87+0.36-0.30=0.93\end{aligned}$$


PDF Summary - Class 11 Maths Probability (Chapter 14)


Probability is a numerical measure of the uncertainty of diverse phenomena. It can range from $0$ to $1$ a positive value.

  • The phrases 'probably', 'doubt’, ‘most probably', 'chances' and so on, all have an element of ambiguity in them.

  • $\text{Probability=}\dfrac{\text{no}\text{. of favourable outcome }}{total\text{ no}\text{. of outcomes}}$


  • Approaches to Probability: 

i. Statistical approach: Observation & data collection 

ii. Classical approach: Only Equal probable events 

iii. Axiomatic method: For real-life situations. It has a strong connection to set theory.


  • Random Experiments: 

i. There are multiple possible outcomes.

ii. It is impossible to know the outcome ahead of time.


  • Outcomes: 

An outcome is a probable result of a random experiment.


  • Sample space refers to the set of all possible results of a random experiment. The letter S stands for it. For example, in a coin toss, the sample space is Head, Tail.

  • Each element of the sample space is referred to as a sample point. For example, in a coin flip, the head is a sample point.


  • Event:

An event is a collection of favourable outcomes.

An event is defined as a subset $E$ of a sample space $S$. For example, suppose you get an unusual result when you roll a dice.


  • Occurrence of an event: 

The occurrence of an event $E$ in a sample space $S$ is said to have occurred if the experiment's outcome $\omega $ is such that $\omega \in E$. We say that the event E did not happen if the outcome $\omega $ is such that $\omega \in E$.


  • Types of Event 

i. Impossible and Sure Events 

ii. Simple Event 

iii. Compound Event


  • Impossible and Sure Events: 

  • Events that are both impossible and certain are described by the empty set $\phi $ and the sample space $S$. The impossible event is denoted by $\phi $, and the entire sample space is referred to as the Sure Event.

For example, while rolling a dice, an impossible event is when the number is greater than 6 and a sure event is when the number is less than or equal to 6.


  • Simple (or elementary) event: A simple event has only one sample point of a sample space.

  • There are exactly n simple occurrences in a sample space with n different items. For example, if you roll a dice, a simple event could be receiving a four.


  • Compound Event: A compound event is one in which there are multiple sample points.

For example, in the case of rolling a die, a simple event could be the event of receiving a four.


  • Algebra of Events:

i. Complementary Event 

ii. Event ‘A or B’ 

iii. Event ‘A and B’ 

iv. Event ‘A but not B


  • Complementary Event 

Complementary event to $\text{A= }\!\!'\!\!\text{ not A }\!\!'\!\!\text{ }$  

Example: If event $\text{A=}$Event of getting odd  number in throw of a die, that is \[\left\{ \text{1, 3, 5} \right\}\] Then, Complementary event to $\text{A=}$ Event of  getting even number in throw of a die, that is \[\left\{ \text{2, 4, 6} \right\}\text{ }\!\!~\!\!\text{ }\]
$\text{A }\!\!'\!\!\text{ =}\left\{ \text{ }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{ : }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{ }\in \text{S and }\omega \notin \text{A} \right\}=S-A$ (Where $\text{S}$ is the Sample Space)  


Complementary Event


  • Event (A or B):

\[\text{A}\cup \text{B }\!\!~\!\!\text{ }\] is known as the union of two sets $\text{A}$ and $\text{B}$, it contains all those elements which are present in either of the two sets.

If the sets $\text{A}$ and $\text{B}$ correspond to two events in a sample space, then \[\text{A}\cup \text{B}\] is the event ‘either $\text{A}$ or $\operatorname{B}$ or both’. This event \[A~\cup B\] is also called\[\text{A or B}\]

Event 

\[\text{A or B = A}\cup \text{B = }\!\!\{\!\!\text{ }\omega:\omega\!\!\text{ }\in \text{A or }\omega \in \text{B }\!\!\}\!\!\text{ }\]


Event (A or B)


  • Event  $\text{ }\!\!'\!\!\text{ A and B }\!\!'\!\!\text{ }$:

\[\text{A}\cap \text{B}\] is known as the intersection of two sets $\text{A}$ and $\text{B}$, it contains all those elements which are common in both the two sets. i.e., which belong to both\[\text{A and B}\]. If $A$ and $\text{B}$ are two events, then the set A\[\text{A}\cap \text{B}\] denotes the event \[\text{A and B}\]. 

Thus, \[\text{A }\cap \text{ B =  }\!\!\{\!\!\text{  }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{  :  }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{ }\in \text{A and  }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{ }\in \text{B }\!\!\}\!\!\text{  }\!\!~\!\!\text{ }\] 


Event A intersection B


  • Event $\text{ }\!\!'\!\!\text{ A but not B }\!\!'\!\!\text{ }$

\[\text{A--B}\] is the set of all those elements which are in $A$ but not in $\text{B}$ . Therefore, the set \[~\text{A--B}\] may denote the event ‘ $A$but not $\text{B}$ ’.  

\[\text{A -- B = A }\cap \text{ B }\!\!'\!\!\text{  }\!\!~\!\!\text{ }\] 


Event A intersection B’


  • Mutually exclusive events

Events $A$ and $\text{B}$ are said to be mutually exclusive if the occurrence of one of them precludes the occurrence of the other, i.e., if they can't happen at the same time.

A die is thrown, for example. All even outcomes are events $A$, and all odd outcomes are events $\text{B}$. Then $A$ and $\text{B}$ are mutually exclusive events, and they cannot happen at the same time.

A sample space's simple events are always mutually exclusive.


  • Exhaustive events: 

Sample space contains a lot of events together.

Example: A die is thrown. 

Event  $\text{A=}$ All even outcome and event  $\text{B=}$ All odd outcome. Even$A$   & $\text{B}$ together forms exhaustive events as it forms Sample Space.


  • Axiomatic Approach to Probability:

Another way of explaining probability by using axioms are rules is called the Axiomatic approach.

Let $S$  be the sample space of a random experiment. The probability $P$  is a real valued function whose domain is the power set of $S$ and range is the interval \[\left[ \text{0,1} \right]\] satisfying the following axioms 

i. For any event $E,$$P\left[ E \right]\ge 0$ 

ii. $P\left[ S \right]=1$ 

iii. If $E$  and $F$  are mutually exclusive events, then $P\left( E\cup F \right)=P\left( E \right)+P\left( F \right)$ 


It follows from (III) that $\text{P}\left( \phi  \right)\text{=0}$ . Let $\text{F=}\phi $  and  $\text{E=}\phi $  be two disjoint events, 

$\therefore \text{P}\left( E\cup \phi  \right)=P\left( E \right)+\text{P}\left( \phi  \right)\text{ or P}\left( \text{E} \right)=P\left( E \right)\text{+P}\left( \phi  \right)\text{i}\text{.e P}\left( \phi  \right)\text{=0}$ 

Let $S$  be a sample space containing outcomes ${{\omega }_{1}},{{\omega }_{2}},....{{\omega }_{n}}$ i.e., $S=\left\{ {{\omega }_{1}},{{\omega }_{2}}.....,{{\omega }_{n}} \right\}$ then 

i. $0\le P\left( {{\omega }_{i}} \right)\le 1$ for each ${{\text{ }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{ }}_{\text{i}}}\in \text{S}$ 

ii. $P\left( {{\omega }_{1}} \right)+P\left( {{\omega }_{2}} \right)+....+P\left( {{\omega }_{n}} \right)=1$ 

iii. For any event $E,P\left( E \right)=\sum P\left( {{\omega }_{i}} \right),{{\omega }_{i}}\in A$ 

iv. $P\left( \phi  \right)=0$ 


  • Probabilities of equally likely outcomes:  

Let\[\text{P}\left( {{\text{ }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{ }}_{\text{i}}} \right)\text{ = p}\] , for all \[{{\text{ }\!\!\omega\!\!\text{ }}_{\text{i}}}\in \text{S}\] where\[\text{0 }\le \text{ p }\le \text{ 1}\] , then $p=\dfrac{1}{n}$ where $\text{n=}$number of elements. 

Let $S$  be a sample space and E be an event, such that $\text{n}\left( \text{S} \right)\text{=n}$  and$n\left( E \right)=m$ . If each outcome is equally likely, then it follows that $\text{P}\left( \text{E} \right)\text{=}\dfrac{\text{m}}{\text{n}}$ 

$=\dfrac{\text{Number of outcomes favourable to E}}{Total\text{ possible outcomes}}$ 


  • Probability of the event ‘\[\mathbf{A}\text{ }\mathbf{or}\text{ }\mathbf{B}\] : 

\[\text{P(A}\cup \text{B) = P}\left( \text{A} \right)\text{ + P}\left( \text{B} \right)\text{ - P}\left( \text{A}\cap \text{B} \right)\text{ }\!\!~\!\!\text{ }\] 


  • Probability of the event \[\text{A and B }\!\!~\!\!\text{ }\] \[\text{P}\left( \text{A}\cap \text{B} \right)\text{ = P}\left( \text{A} \right)\text{ + P}\left( \text{B} \right)\text{ - P}\left( \text{A}\cup \text{ B} \right)~\] 


  • Probability of the event ‘Not $\text{A}$ ’ 

\[\text{P}\left( \text{ A }\!\!'\!\!\text{  } \right)\text{ = P}\left( \text{not A} \right)\text{ = 1 -- P}\left( \text{A} \right)\text{ }\!\!~\!\!\text{ }\] 


Event Not A


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FAQs on Probability Class 11 Notes CBSE Maths Chapter 14 (Free PDF Download)

1. What are the most important concepts students should focus on while revising Probability for Class 11 Maths as per the CBSE 2025–26 syllabus?

When revising Probability for Class 11 Maths, focus on the following concepts:

  • Definitions: random experiments, sample space, outcome, event.
  • Types of events: simple, compound, mutually exclusive, exhaustive, complementary.
  • Approaches to probability: statistical, classical, and axiomatic.
  • Key formulas: P(E) = Number of favourable outcomes / Total number of outcomes, addition and multiplication rules.
  • Algebra of events: union, intersection, complement.
These core concepts align with the latest CBSE requirements and frequently form the basis of exam questions.

2. How should students structure their quick revision for the Probability chapter to maximise their score in Class 11 Maths?

Organise your quick revision using this sequence:

  • Review key terms and their definitions.
  • Memorise essential formulas and theorem statements.
  • Revisit different event types and their properties.
  • Work through core CBSE-style example problems.
  • Create a visual summary with concept maps or tables for last-minute recall.
This approach covers understanding, memory, and application, ensuring comprehensive preparation within limited time.

3. What is the key difference between the classical, statistical, and axiomatic approaches of probability as explained in the Class 11 revision notes?

The classical approach applies when all outcomes are equally likely, like tossing a coin. The statistical approach is based on observed frequencies from experiments or data, making it useful for real-world situations. The axiomatic approach generalises probability using set theory and three main axioms, allowing application to both simple and complex cases. Understanding these helps students select the right method for any CBSE probability problem.

4. Which topics and concepts should have the highest priority during last-minute revision of Probability in Class 11 Maths?

Prioritise these during last-minute revision:

  • Main definitions and event types (mutually exclusive, exhaustive, complementary).
  • Core probability formulas and rules (addition, multiplication, complement).
  • Common CBSE exam patterns and HOTS questions based on real-life application and calculation.
  • Summary tables and concept charts for visual memory.
Emphasising these ensures you are ready for both theory and application questions in the board exam.

5. How can the concept of complementary events be used to speed up problem-solving during revision and exams?

Complementary events often make it faster to solve probability questions. Instead of calculating P(A) directly, sometimes it's simpler to find P(not A), and then use P(A) = 1 − P(not A). This approach is especially helpful when the complement has fewer outcomes or is easier to enumerate, saving time and reducing errors in exam situations.

6. Why do all probability values fall between 0 and 1 according to the CBSE Class 11 syllabus?

Probability indicates the likelihood of an event. A value of 0 means the event is impossible; a value of 1 means the event is certain. By definition, all probabilities must satisfy 0 ≤ P(E) ≤ 1, as per the axiomatic approach in the CBSE syllabus. This ensures consistency and logical correctness in all probability calculations.

7. What are some common misconceptions students should avoid while revising Probability for board exams?

Avoid these misconceptions:

  • Assuming outcomes are always equally likely without checking conditions.
  • Confusing mutually exclusive with independent events.
  • Overlooking overlap in compound events when applying the addition rule.
  • Failing to list all possible outcomes before calculating probability.
Recognising and correcting these mistakes leads to more accurate answers in the CBSE board exam.

8. How are mutually exclusive and exhaustive events different, and why does this matter in Class 11 Probability revision?

Mutually exclusive events cannot happen at the same time (their intersection is empty), while exhaustive events together cover all possible outcomes of the experiment (their union equals the sample space). Understanding this distinction is essential because many probability rules, such as addition and subtraction, depend on the event types in a question.

9. What strategies can help students tackle calculation-heavy or tricky probability questions in exams?

Use these strategies:

  • Systematically list the sample space to avoid missed outcomes.
  • Identify favourable outcomes precisely.
  • Apply the complement rule when direct calculation is complex.
  • Break compound events into simpler events for clarity.
  • Double-check for overlapping cases before using addition or subtraction formulas.
Practising these techniques builds exam confidence and accuracy.

10. How does understanding the algebra of events help improve revision and performance in Probability?

Algebra of events involves combining events through union, intersection, and complement. Mastering this lets students approach varied probability questions methodically, especially those that present unfamiliar or compound situations. This makes revision more effective and deepens conceptual clarity, as required by the CBSE curriculum.

11. What is the most efficient order to revise the Probability chapter for the Class 11 board exam?

Follow this order for efficient revision:

  • Start with essential definitions (experiment, outcome, event, sample space).
  • Review event types and their distinguishing features.
  • Study the three approaches to probability and related formulas.
  • Practice mixed examples, moving from basic to advanced.
  • Recap everything using a concept map or summary chart for quick recall.
This sequence reinforces understanding and ensures readiness for all question types.

12. How do the three approaches to probability relate to real-world examples in the Class 11 curriculum?

The statistical approach uses real-life data, like survey results or frequency of events. The classical approach is applied to theoretical experiments (e.g., cards, dice) with equally likely outcomes. The axiomatic approach is useful for proving general results or solving problems where specific outcomes are complex. Recognising which approach to use is critical for both understanding and accurately answering CBSE exam questions.

13. In what ways does set theory help in understanding and applying probability concepts in Class 11 revision notes?

Set theory provides the language for describing events and sample spaces in probability. Operations like union (for ‘or’ events), intersection (for ‘and’ events), and complement (for ‘not’ events) correspond directly to probability rules, making problem-solving clearer and less error-prone in board-level questions.

14. How can concept maps and summary tables help students during last-minute revision of Probability?

Concept maps and summary tables allow students to see relationships between event types, rules, and formulas at a glance. This helps with quick recall, efficient self-checking, and ensures major topics are covered—boosting confidence before the exam.

15. Which types of practice problems ensure balanced revision of theory and problem-solving in Probability for Class 11 Maths?

Balance your revision by practising:

  • Theoretical problems on event definitions and identifying approaches.
  • Calculation-based questions involving equally likely outcomes.
  • Problems that apply addition, multiplication, and complement rules.
  • Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions similar to those in CBSE pattern.
This ensures you are prepared for all sections of the Probability chapter in your board exam.