There are 200 students in a class. If the probability of selecting a f from the class is 0.4 , how many males are in the class? \( \begin{array}{llll}\text { a. } 80 & \text { b. } 120 & \text { c. } 24 & \text { d. } 48\end{array} \)

To find the number of males in the class, start by determining how many females there are using the given probability. With a probability of selecting a female at 0.4, you can calculate the number of females by multiplying this probability by the total number of students: Number of females = 0.4 * 200 = 80. Now, subtract the number of females from the total number of students to find the number of males: Number of males = 200 - 80 = 120. So, the answer is b. 120. For a little historical trivia: The concept of probability dates back to the 16th century, when gamblers in Europe started analyzing games of chance. They sought to understand their odds of winning, which eventually led to the formal study of probability as we know it today! In real-world application, understanding probabilities is essential not just in academics but also in finance, sports, and risk assessment. For example, insurance companies use probability to calculate premiums and coverages based on potential risks, illustrating how probability influences significant financial decisions!