Ambiguity in probability problems

Abstract

Of all mathematical problems, those concerned with probability seem to contain ambiguities more often than any others. In the majority of cases the reason is that too little thought has been given to the wording of the question, but occasionally the question sounds very sensible and it is only when a real attempt is made to solve the problem that difficulties in interpretation appear. I believe that this is mainly due to the loose way that the word ‘probability’ is used.