What to do
A sample space lists all possible outcomes of an experiment. When a table is used, one set of outcomes is written across the top and another set is written down the side. Each box in the table shows one combined outcome.
Method
- Identify the two sets of outcomes. For example, two dice, two spins, or two choices.
- Label the rows and columns. Put one variable across the top and the other down the side.
- Fill in each box carefully. Combine the row and column values to make every possible outcome.
- List the sample space if needed. Read the table row by row or column by column.
- Simplify the final answer. Remove any repeated outcomes if the question asks for a set, and write the result clearly.
Check your work
- Make sure every row and column intersection is filled.
- Count the outcomes: if there are 3 row values and 4 column values, there should be 12 outcomes.
- Verify that no possible outcome is missed and none is repeated unnecessarily.
Helpful reminder
A table organizes the sample space, but the answer is the complete collection of outcomes. Be neat with labels so the final list is easy to read.