---
tag: 0HM05N3FJD
kind: concept
name: Random experiment
aliases: [experiment, trial]
msc: [60A05]
sources:
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiment_(probability_theory)
    locator: lead section
same_as:
  wikidata: Q228174
  wikipedia: Experiment (probability theory)
---

## Summary

A random experiment is a procedure that we can repeat as often as we like and that has a well-defined set of possible results.
The set of these results is the [[sample space|0W7NFW23RF]] of the experiment.
The experiment is random when it has more than one possible result, and deterministic when it has exactly one.

## Remarks

Each repetition of the experiment is a trial. Each trial gives exactly one [[outcome|0Y5R7TPNT1]].
A toss of a coin and a roll of a die are random experiments.

## Explanations

### L1 human

A random experiment is an action whose result you cannot predict, but whose possible results you know in advance.
When you roll a die, you do not know the number that you will get, but you know that it is one of $1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6$.