Calculating Winning Probability in Horse Racing and Sock Selection

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating winning probabilities in horse racing and sock selection. For the horse racing problem, the correct probability of holding a winning ticket when boxing three horses out of nine is determined to be 1/14, contrasting with the incorrect calculation of 3/28. In the sock selection problem, the probability of selecting at least two red socks from a drawer containing four red and five blue socks is calculated using binomial distribution, yielding a result of 304/729. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding combinations and the impact of dependent events in probability calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of combinatorial mathematics, specifically combinations and permutations.
  • Familiarity with binomial distribution and its applications in probability.
  • Knowledge of basic probability concepts, including independent and dependent events.
  • Ability to perform calculations involving factorials and binomial coefficients.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of combinatorial probability, focusing on combinations and permutations.
  • Learn about binomial distribution and its applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Explore dependent versus independent events in probability theory.
  • Practice solving probability problems involving multiple events and conditions.
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Mathematicians, statisticians, educators, and students seeking to enhance their understanding of probability theory and its applications in real-life scenarios such as gambling and selection processes.

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this is the problem...
1. nine horses are entered in a horse race. If you "box" three horses (three are chosen and they can finish in any of the first 3 positions in the race), determine the probability that you will hold the winning ticket.
-->i tried this one... (3C1*3C2*3C3)/9C3 but my answer is 3/28, which is wrong, it should be 1/14
2. A drawer contains four red socks and five blue socks. Three socks are drawn one at a time and then put back before the next selection. Determine the probability that
i. exactly red socks are selected
--> i did this... [(4C2*5C3) + (4C1*5C4) + (4C0* 5C5)]/9C3 = 27/28, but it is wrong since the answer in the book is 304/729
ii. at least two red socks are selected
--> i don't get this one..
 
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There are 6 ways of holding the winning ticket and C(9,3) total ways of selecting any three horses for win, place and show.
 
For the Horse problem the answer is 3P3/9C3
(not sure if it is P cause in portugal we use A but in my calculator it says P it means the number of possible combinations of 3 horses in 3 different places where order counts (3!/(3-3)! = 3!)

The second problem we can deal with it with binommial distribution:
being x the number of consecutive red socks u take, u have
n=3; p=4/9
if u want to know the porbability of getting 1 red sock:
p(x=1)=3C1*(4/9)^1*(5/9)^2=300/729

for at least 2 red socks
p(x>1)=p(x=2)+p(x=3)=3C2*(4/9)^2*(5/9)+3C3*(4/9)^3=304/729
 
Sorry, my previous solution on the socks problem is wrong. I'm rly sry but i was really sleepy. Binomial distribution doesn't apply cause each act of choosing a sock is not indepandent from the others (Choosing 1 sock makes the probability of the next sock different). I also don't get the first question: do u want the probability of how many red socks?