How Do You Calculate the Probability of Coin Toss Outcomes with Biased Coins?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of outcomes from tossing biased coins, specifically focusing on a scenario involving two coins with different probabilities of landing heads. The original poster seeks assistance with understanding binomial and geometric distributions in the context of this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the probability of getting two heads and one tail from three tosses of a randomly selected biased coin. They inquire about how to incorporate the selection probability of each coin into their calculations.
  • Participants question the probability of selecting each coin and explore the implications of this on the overall probability calculation.
  • Some participants suggest using a probability tree to visualize the problem, while others express a desire to understand the problem without relying on visual aids.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and providing guidance on checking the validity of the proposed probability formula. There is no explicit consensus yet, but the dialogue appears to be productive in clarifying concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of probability calculations involving biased coins and are considering the implications of different approaches, such as the use of probability trees versus direct calculations.

AntSC
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Having trouble with certain binomial and geometric distribution questions, which is indicating that my understanding isn't completely there yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1. Homework Statement

A bag contains two biased coins: coin A shows Heads with a probability of 0.6, and coin B shows Heads with a probability 0.25. A coin is chosen at random from the bag and tossed three times.
Find the probability that the three tosses of the coin show two Heads and one Tail in any order.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Probabilities:
H_{A}=0.6 and T_{A}=0.4
H_{B}=0.25 and T_{B}=0.75

Possibilities for 2 heads and one tail in any order:
3\left ( H \right )^{2}\left ( T \right )

Is this correct so far?
My question is how to incorporate the probability of picking coin A or coin B into the problem?
 
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What is the probability you picked coin A?
 
A half
 
So if you picked a coin at random and tossed just once, what is the probability the result is a head?
 
Ah i see it now.
P=\frac{1}{2}3\left ( H_{A} \right )^{2}\left ( T_{A} \right )+\frac{1}{2}3\left ( H_{B} \right )^{2}\left ( T_{B} \right )
Is this right?
 
You can check it with a probability tree if you are unsure.
 
Sure. I want to start to dispense with the need for visual aids and make sure i can construct the problem without.
Especially when dealing with a larger set of choices, like 52 cards. A tree then won't be so helpful.
Thanks for the dialogue. I think i needed to get it out there to help work it through.
You might see a few more questions from me in future :)
 
AntSC said:
Ah i see it now.
P=\frac{1}{2}3\left ( H_{A} \right )^{2}\left ( T_{A} \right )+\frac{1}{2}3\left ( H_{B} \right )^{2}\left ( T_{B} \right )
Is this right?

QUOTE="AntSC, post: 5021860, member: 450435"]Ah i see it now.
P=\frac{1}{2}3\left ( H_{A} \right )^{2}\left ( T_{A} \right )+\frac{1}{2}3\left ( H_{B} \right )^{2}\left ( T_{B} \right )
Is this right?[/QUOTE]

If ##E## is the event "2H, 1T (any order)", does your formula satisfy the basic relationship
P(E) = P(E|A) P(A) + P(E|B) P(B) ?
If it does, it is OK.

BTW: you might compare this with the scenario where you replace the coin after each toss and then ask about ##E##.
 

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