- Definition
Dependent events are when what happens first directly changes what can happen next. For example, if you pick a sock out of a drawer and don't put it back, there are fewer socks left, changing the chances of picking another specific sock.
If you pull a red gummy from a bag of 5 red and 5 green gummies and eat it, the chance of the next gummy being red is now lower.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Dependent events are like picking snacks from a small bag; once you take one out, it changes the choices for the next person.
Ask your child: If you pick a sock from a drawer, does that change your chance of finding its match?
Common mix-up: Kids may think each event is a fresh start, like rolling a die. With dependent events, the first outcome actually changes what can happen next.
Examples
- Picking two pieces of fruit from a bowl; eating the first apple changes the mix of fruit left for the second pick.
- Drawing a name from a hat for a prize and not putting it back in; the second name drawn has a slightly better chance of winning than the first.
dependent events is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
