Probability of Getting Red/Blue Ball: 60%/40%

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the probability of selecting a red or blue ball from a box containing 30 blue balls and 20 red balls. The context is centered around understanding basic probability concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the probabilities based on the ratio of blue to red balls, expressing uncertainty about the specific formula needed for the calculation. Other participants engage in defining mathematical concepts and the meaning of percentages.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the original poster's reasoning and definitions related to percentages. Some participants provide insights into the nature of mathematical formulas, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach to the probability calculation.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that this is an extra credit problem and that no guidance or examples were provided, which may contribute to the uncertainty in their approach.

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Homework Statement


You have 30 blue balls and 20 red balls in a box. You select one ball from the box. What is the probability of getting the red ball?, a blue ball?

we can give the answer in percents or fraction(ratio)


Homework Equations



unknown. This is an extra credit thing and we were not given any help.. (ie.. equations, or other examples)

The Attempt at a Solution


Here is what I figure: 60percent of the balls are blue and 40are red.. so that was my answer .

60% chance of a blue and 40%chance of a red.

I am totally unsure on the specific formula to do this. Is my thinking correct?
 
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Well, you have been using the "formula" you were supposed to be using.

What do you think a mathematical formula is?
Nothing but the distilled logical relationship between precisely defined quantities.
 
thanks for the help...
 
What is the definition of % ?
 
malawi_glenn said:
What is the definition of % ?
Conventionally, it means 1/100.
 

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