The multiplication rule is a useful way to make probability calculations easier for independent events.

When two events don’t affect each other, this rule helps you figure out the overall probabilities more simply.

Here’s how it works:

1. What Independence Means: Two events, A and B, are independent if one event does not change the outcome of the other. For example, flipping a coin and rolling a die are independent events because what happens with one doesn’t affect the other.

2. How to Use the Multiplication Rule: To find the chance of both events happening together, you just multiply their probabilities. If $P(A)$ is the chance of event A happening and $P(B)$ is the chance of event B happening, then:

   $P(A \text{ and } B) = P(A) \times P(B)$

3. An Example: Let’s say the chance of flipping heads on a coin is $P(A) = 0.5$, and the chance of rolling a 3 on a die is $P(B) = \frac{1}{6}$. To find the combined probability, you would do this:

   $P(A \text{ and } B) = 0.5 \times \frac{1}{6} = \frac{1}{12}$

Using the multiplication rule makes it really easy to find the combined probability without complicated math. Plus, it’s simple to understand and use, which is great for learning math!