Why does the author's answer for (b) and (c) differ from my answer of 1-0.1k?

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In summary: In a million trials, what is the probability that no zero appears?The answer to this question is not clear from the information given.
  • #1
WMDhamnekar
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Homework Statement
What is the probability that among k random digits (a) 0 does not appear; (b) 1 does not appear; (c)neither 0 nor 1 appears; (d) at least one of the two digits 0 and 1 does not appear ? Let A and B represents the event in (a) and (b). Express the other events in terms of A and B.
Relevant Equations
No relevant equations
(a) The probability that 0 appears k times in k random digits is 0.1k So, It does not appear in k random digits is 1 - 0.1k. But author says 0.9 k.
How is that?

(b) My answer is same as in (a) that is 1-0.1k. Author's answer is 0.9k.

(c)1 - 0.1k - 0.1k Author's answer is 0.8k. How is that?

How to answer (d) and other remaining part of the question?
 
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  • #2
WMDhamnekar said:
(a) The probability that 0 appears k times in k random digits is 0.1k So, It does not appear in k random digits is 1 - 0.1k.
But what about appearing k-1 times? And k-2 times? If you found the probability for any appearance, then you can subtract from one to find the probability for no appearance.
WMDhamnekar said:
But author says 0.9 k.
(probability of not appearing in slot 1)*(probability of not appearing in slot 2)... = (.9)*(.9)...
 
  • #3
WMDhamnekar said:
Homework Statement:: What is the probability that among k random digits (a) 0 does not appear; (b) 1 does not appear; (c)neither 0 nor 1 appears; (d) at least one of the two digits 0 and 1 does not appear ? Let A and B represents the event in (a) and (b). Express the other events in terms of A and B.
Relevant Equations:: No relevant equations

(a) The probability that 0 appears k times in k random digits is 0.1k So, It does not appear in k random digits is 1 - 0.1k. But author says 0.9 k.
How is that?

(b) My answer is same as in (a) that is 1-0.1k. Author's answer is 0.9k.

(c)1 - 0.1k - 0.1k Author's answer is 0.8k. How is that?

How to answer (d) and other remaining part of the question?
If you use the digits ##0, 1, 2## only to simplify things and take ##k = 3##, say, then you should be able to simulate the experiment and understand what is happening. E.g. For a) you have:

111
112
121
122
211
212
221
222

That have no ##0##.

Once you understand this example, you can extend it to 0-9 and then to ##k## digits for any ##k##.
 
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  • #4
WMDhamnekar said:
(a) The probability that 0 appears k times in k random digits is 0.1k So, It does not appear in k random digits is 1 - 0.1k. But author says 0.9 k.
How is that?
##0.1^k## is the probability that 0 appears in all ##k## digits. It's the probability of ##0_1 0_2 ... 0_k##.
As a sanity check, notice that as ##k## gets larger, your answer, ##1-0.1^k## approaches 1. Does that make sense? That implies that as ##k## gets huge, it becomes almost certain that no ##0## appears. In reality, as ##k## gets huge, say a million, it is almost certain that there will be at least one zero.

The correct answer is that the other digits DO appear in all ##k## places. That probability is ##0.9^k##.

Your answers to the other parts must be adjusted accordingly.
 
Last edited:

1. What is the significance of random digits appearance in scientific research?

The appearance of random digits is crucial in scientific research as it ensures that the data collected is unbiased and not influenced by any external factors. Random digits help to eliminate any potential patterns or biases in the data, making the results more accurate and reliable.

2. How are random digits generated in scientific studies?

Random digits can be generated using various methods such as computer algorithms, random number tables, or even physical processes like rolling dice. The method chosen will depend on the specific research study and its requirements.

3. Can random digits be predicted or manipulated?

No, random digits cannot be predicted or manipulated. The whole purpose of using random digits in scientific research is to eliminate any potential biases or patterns, and therefore, they must be truly random and not influenced by any external factors.

4. Are random digits necessary for all types of scientific research?

Random digits are not necessary for all types of scientific research. They are mainly used in studies where the data needs to be unbiased, such as in experiments or surveys. In other types of research, the use of random digits may not be necessary or relevant.

5. How do scientists ensure the randomness of digits in their research?

Scientists use various methods to ensure the randomness of digits in their research. Some common techniques include using multiple sources for generating random digits, conducting pilot studies to test the randomness of the data, and using statistical tests to detect any patterns or biases in the data.

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