Multi-event probability puzzle - is my answer correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a multi-event probability problem involving the exchange of colored balls between two bags. The original poster attempts to calculate the probabilities of achieving a specific configuration of colors in each bag after a series of exchanges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various sequences of moves to achieve three different colors in each bag, questioning whether all possible exchanges have been considered. They present calculations for multiple exchange scenarios and discuss the implications of moving specific colored balls.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different exchange possibilities, with some participants suggesting that certain cases may have been overlooked. Guidance is offered regarding the configurations of colors and the implications of moving specific balls, but no consensus has been reached on the completeness of the approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the presence of duplicate colors and the requirement for specific configurations, which may influence the possible exchanges. There is also mention of symmetry in the moves, which could affect the overall probability calculations.

musicgold
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Homework Statement
Is there a more elegant / efficient way to solve this puzzle? See the attached puzzle.
Relevant Equations
At the end of all three 3 moves, the bags should contain:
Bag B: B, B, O, + G/V/Y
Bag A: remaining balls
Here is my attempt.
Beginning state:
Bag B : B, B, O
Bag A : R, R, G, V, Y

Final state:
Bag B: B, B, O, + G/V/Y
Bag A: remaining balls

First possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves one black ball to bag A ) = 2/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves the black ball to bag B ) = 1/5
P (exchange 1)= 3/5 x 2/4 x 1/5 = 3/50

Second possible move that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves one red ball to bag B) = 2/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the red ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B ) = 3/5
P(exchange 2) = 3/5 x 2/4 x 1/5 = 3/50

P ( exchange 1 OR exchange 2) = 3/50+ 3/50 = 3/25
2023-12-26 07 57 10.png
 
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Are you sure those are the only possibilities?
 
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PeroK said:
Are you sure those are the only possibilities?
Ah...

Third possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the orange ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves the orange ball to bag B ) = 1/5
P (exchange 3)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 1/5 = 3/100

Fourth possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the G/V/Y ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B ) = 3/5
P (exchange 4)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 3/5 = 9/100

P ( exchange 1 OR exchange 2 OR exchange 3 OR exchange 4 ) = 6/100+ 6/100+ 3/100 + 9/100 = 6/25 ?

Any better way of solving this without missing any possible exchanges in the first place?


Thanks
 
The only idea I have is to note that we have six different colours, with two duplicates. If we have three different colours in a bag, then we must have a d pair of duplicates plus two others. The final configuration must have two B's in one bag and two R's in the other.

As only one ball is taken from bag B, then we must leave the two black balls alone.

Likewise, we either leave the two red balls alone, or move one back and forward.

And, if we leave the red balls alone, it doesn't matter which of the others we choose.
 
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A black ball can move out of bag 2, then back in, if a "non red" ball was moved in first.
 
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There is some symmetry here. You can waste a pair of moves at the start, RR, or a pair at the end, BB. There are three options for the third move.
The only other sequences consist of leaving the reds and blacks alone, 3x2x3.
 
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musicgold said:
Ah...

Third possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the orange ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves the orange ball to bag B ) = 1/5
P (exchange 3)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 1/5 = 3/100

Fourth possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the G/V/Y ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B ) = 3/5
P (exchange 4)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 3/5 = 9/100

P ( exchange 1 OR exchange 2 OR exchange 3 OR exchange 4 ) = 6/100+ 6/100+ 3/100 + 9/100 = 6/25 ?

Any better way of solving this without missing any possible exchanges in the first place?


Thanks
If you are still interested, I think you missed some cases in the third possible exchange.
 
bob012345 said:
If you are still interested, I think you missed some cases in the third possible exchange.
Yes, I'm not sure whether @musicgold realised that post #6 leads to a higher number than 6/25.
 
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