If it has been determined that the probability of an earthquake occurring on a certain day in a
certain area is 0.05, what are the odds against an earthquake
Wouldn't that be 0.95 or 19/20?
19 to 1 is the answer.
To calculate the odds against an event, you need to use the formula:
Odds against = (1 - probability) / probability
In this case, the probability of an earthquake occurring is 0.05. Therefore, the odds against an earthquake would be:
Odds against = (1 - 0.05) / 0.05 = 0.95 / 0.05 = 19
So, the odds against an earthquake occurring on a certain day in a certain area would be 19 to 1.