Probability of drawing a second white ball without replacement

[ms. confused]

Can anyone tell me how I would solve this question:

A bag contains 3 white balls and 2 black balls. The first draw produced a white ball. The first ball is not replaced. What is the probability that the second draw will produce another white ball?

 

[dextercioby]

Can anyone tell me how I would solve this question:

A bag contains 3 white balls and 2 black balls. The first draw produced a white ball. The first ball is not replaced. What is the probability that the second draw will produce another white ball?

You mean it's not put in the bag again.Okay...
Hint:What was the probability of pulling a white ball in the beginning??What is the formula of probabilities??How would you go abot now...??

Please,show me how you think.The purpose of this forum is to guide U solve the problem,not me..!

 

[ms. confused]

Ok well i see the probability of drawing a white ball at the beginning as being 2/5

 

[uranium_235]

Might want to recheck your work.

 

[dextercioby]

Ok well i see the probability of drawing a white ball at the beginning as being 2/5

How did u figure that out...??It's important to show your judgement,as well,since apparently it is to blame for erroneous results...
Again...??What' the initial probability and why...?

 

[HallsofIvy]

No, at the beginning the bag contained 5 balls, 3 of which were white.
The probability of drawing a white ball, at the beginning was ?/5.

However, your original question is different. After drawing a white ball out, the bag has 4 balls left, 2 of which are white. What is the probability of drawing a white ball now?

 

[ms. confused]

When simplified the probability now is 1/2.