Relative frequency is a term used in probability theory and statistics to describe the ratio of the number of outcomes in which a specified event occurs to the total number of trials or outcomes in an experiment. It is also known as empirical probability or experimental probability. The relative frequency is calculated by dividing the number of times an event occurs by the total number of trials or outcomes in an experiment. The resulting value is a proportion or percentage that represents how often the event occurs relative to the total number of trials or outcomes.

To calculate the relative frequency, we need to know the frequency count for the total population and the frequency count for a subgroup of the population. The formula for calculating the relative frequency of a subgroup is:

Relative Frequency = Subgroup Count / Total Count

The relative frequency can be used as an estimator or estimate of a probability. It is an experimental probability, which means that it is based on actual observations and experiences rather than theoretical sample spaces.

Advantages of estimating probabilities using relative frequencies include that this procedure is relatively free of assumptions. However, it is important to note that since relative frequency is an experimental probability, it is possible to obtain different relative frequencies when we repeat the experiments.

In summary, relative frequency is a way to measure how often a particular event occurs against total occurrences in an experiment. It is calculated by dividing the number of times an event occurs by the total number of trials or outcomes in an experiment. The resulting value is a proportion or percentage that represents how often the event occurs relative to the total number of trials or outcomes.