Calculating Probability of Receiving $1 from Multiple People

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of receiving $1 from multiple individuals, specifically focusing on the scenario where each person has a 30% chance of giving a dollar. The original poster seeks assistance in determining the probability that at least one of them will contribute.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between individual probabilities and the overall probability of receiving at least one dollar. There is a discussion on calculating the probability of none giving a dollar as a complementary approach.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the calculation method, suggesting complementary probability as a viable approach. There is an ongoing exploration of different ways to conceptualize the problem, including considering combinations of outcomes.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions being out of practice with probability equations, indicating a potential gap in familiarity with current mathematical concepts. The problem is framed as hypothetical, which may influence the depth of exploration.

damajha
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Should be simple enough... unfortunately I'm 20 years removed from college and can't seem to find an equation so I thought I'd post it here.

If there is a 30% chance that Bob will give me a $1, and a 30% chance that Ted will give me a $1 and a 30% chance that Frank will give me a $1. What are the chances that at least one of them gives me a $1?

Very hypothetical, but if someone could give me the equation to solve it then I can figure some other problems out on my own.

Thanks,
Dale
 
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The chance that at least one will give you a dollar is 100% minus the chance that none will give you a dollar. The chance that none will give you a dollar is the chance that the first won't give you a dollar times the chance the second won't times the chance the third won't.
 
So... if I get this straight

1 - (.7 x .7 x .7) = 65.7% ?
 
Yup, or you can look at all the combinations that can occur, e.g. Bob gives you a dollar and Ted and Frank don't, and so on, and then sum the appropriate probabilities.
 

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