# Converting Mathematical Probabilities

• Oct 28th 2010, 04:05 AM
Catticoosz
Converting Mathematical Probabilities
Hey,
Can anybody help me here; I need to convert mathematical probabilities (0.00065) into 'layman' format- something that someone with no mathematical understanding can conceive (ex. a probability of 1 in 10, or a 10% chance) however, I'm not confident at doing that with exponentials, or small, non fraction numbers- can anyone help me?
• Oct 28th 2010, 04:26 AM
Plato
$0.00065=0.065\%=\dfrac{65}{100000}=\dfrac{65}{10^5 }$
• Oct 28th 2010, 04:48 AM
CaptainBlack
Quote:

Originally Posted by Catticoosz
Hey,
Can anybody help me here; I need to convert mathematical probabilities (0.00065) into 'layman' format- something that someone with no mathematical understanding can conceive (ex. a probability of 1 in 10, or a 10% chance) however, I'm not confident at doing that with exponentials, or small, non fraction numbers- can anyone help me?

Impossible, since the 'layman' does not understand probabilities in any form

CB
• Oct 28th 2010, 04:49 AM
CaptainBlack
Quote:

Originally Posted by Plato
$0.00065=0.065\%=\dfrac{65}{100000}=\dfrac{65}{10^5 }$

"650 in a million" might be more like the OP is expecting.

CB