Probability of a seat being vacant?

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In summary, the probability of a specific seat being vacant in a room with 60 people and 180 seats is 2/3 or about 66.67%. This assumes that each person is equally likely to choose any empty seat and that all seats will be filled.
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moonman239
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Probability of a seat being vacant??

Say there are 60 people in a 180-seat room. What's the probability that a particular seat will be vacant?
 
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  • #2


You need to give some more info.
In the simplest case, you can assume that each of the 60 people is equally likely to pick any empty seat, and that every one of them will be seated.
In that case, 120 out of 180 seats are vacant and the probability for each of them is equal, leading to a very simple probability.
 
  • #3


Yeah, I had a DOH! moment shortly after I posted this thread 'cause I realized that the answer was simple. Thanks anyways.
 

FAQ: Probability of a seat being vacant?

1. What is the probability of a seat being vacant?

The probability of a seat being vacant depends on several factors, such as the size of the seating area, the number of people in the area, and the likelihood of people leaving their seats. It is difficult to determine an exact probability without more specific information.

2. How does the number of people in the seating area affect the probability of a seat being vacant?

The more people there are in a seating area, the lower the probability of a seat being vacant. This is because there are more people occupying seats and less room for new people to sit down.

3. Is the probability of a seat being vacant affected by the duration of the event?

Yes, the longer an event goes on, the higher the probability of a seat being vacant. This is because people may need to leave the seating area for various reasons, such as using the restroom or getting food, and new people may also arrive and take vacant seats.

4. Can the probability of a seat being vacant be calculated mathematically?

Yes, the probability of a seat being vacant can be calculated using mathematical formulas, such as the binomial distribution or the Poisson distribution. However, these calculations require specific information about the seating area and the event.

5. How can the probability of a seat being vacant be used in practical applications?

The probability of a seat being vacant can be used in various practical applications, such as event planning, venue management, and crowd control. By understanding the probability of a seat being vacant, event organizers and venue managers can make informed decisions about seating arrangements and managing crowds.

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