What is a dependent event in probability?

A dependent event in probability occurs when the outcome of one event influences or affects the outcome of another event. When the occurrence of the first affects the probability of the second event, this indicates a relationship between the two events, which is a defining feature of dependent events.

For example, consider drawing cards from a deck without replacement. If the first card drawn is a spade, this impacts the probability of what the second card will be, since there is now one fewer spade in the deck. This scenario highlights how the outcome of the first event directly impacts the second, which is the essence of dependent events.

In contrast, independent events, where the occurrence of one event does not affect the other, do not share this relationship. Therefore, the correct understanding of dependent events revolves around their interdependence and the influence they can have on each other’s outcomes. This is why the identification of dependent events is crucial in probability theory.