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Comment on Independent Events
A={2,3,4,5}
B={4,5,6,7,8}
Two integers will be randomly selected from the sets
above, one integer from set A and one integer from
set B. What is the probability that the sum of the two
integers will equal 9 ?
Hi can u pls explain this que. Im getting confused
The best/fastest way to solve
The best/fastest way to solve this question is to apply the basic probability formula.
So, P(sum is 9) = (number of pairs that add to 9)/(total number of pairs)
As always, start with the denominator: total number of pairs
We can select a number from set A in 4 ways, and we can select a number from set B in 5 ways. So, the TOTAL number of pairs = 4 x 5 = 20
Now the numerator: number of pairs that add to 9
Let's list all possible pair:
- select 2 from set A, and 7 from set B
- select 3 from set A, and 6 from set B
- select 4 from set A, and 5 from set B
- select 5 from set A, and 4 from set B
So, there are 4 pairs that add to 9
So, P(sum is 9) = 4/20 = 1/5
For more information, watch https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat-probability/video/742
Thanks Brent. Understood now
Hi Brent,
How do I calculate the first example (selecting balls without replacement) if what I wanted to know was the probability of the second ball being green?
I mean, I understand that the two events are dependent, however, how can I know what is the probability of event B occurring if I don't know whether or not event A occurred.
What I got so far is:
If the first ball is green, then the probability of the second ball being green is: P(B|A) = 3/6 = 1/3
If the first ball is not green, then the probability of the second ball being green is: P(B|A) = 4/6 = 2/3
How do I reconcile these two probabilities into one?
Sorry, I'm not 100% sure what
Sorry, I'm not 100% sure what probability you are trying to calculate.
If you want to calculate P(2nd ball is green), then we can say...
P(2nd ball is green) = P(1st ball is green and 2nd ball is green OR 1st ball is red and 2nd ball is green)
= P(1st ball is green AND 2nd ball is green) + P(1st ball is red AND 2nd ball is green)
= [P(1st ball is green) x P(2nd ball is green)] + [P(1st ball is red) x P(2nd ball is green)]
= [4/7 x 3/6] + [3/7 x 4/6]
= 12/42 + 12/42
= 24/42
= 4/7
ASIDE: Notice that P(2nd ball is green) is equal to P(1st ball is green). For more on this phenomenon see my post (7 posts down) at: http://www.beatthegmat.com/beat-this-probability-qs-t185719.html
Does that help?
Hi Brent,
What I want to calculate is the probability of the second ball being green (similarly to the question on the post you mentioned).
It's clear now. I see where I went wrong.
Thanks
Can you please help me with
Gordon buys 5 dolls for his 5 nieces. The gifts include two identical S beach dolls, one E, one G, one T doll. If the youngest niece doesn't want the G doll, in how many different ways can he give the gifts?
Glad to help.
Glad to help.
You'll find my step-by-step solution here: http://www.beatthegmat.com/p-amp-c-problem-t269505.html
Cheers,
Brent
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