Probability of selecting two white balls from two bags

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The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of selecting two white balls from two bags. Initially, the user incorrectly calculated the probability of selecting bags, assuming a probability of 2/3 for each case. After feedback, they recognized the mistake and corrected the probability of selecting two bags to 1/3 for each case. This adjustment led to the correct total probability of selecting two white balls being 29/72, which aligns with the answer provided in the book. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately determining probabilities in combinatorial problems.
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Homework Statement
Three bags contain 2 white and 1 black balls, 3 white and 3 black balls, 6 white and 2 black balls.
Two bags are selected and a ball is drawn from each. Find the probability (a) that both balls are white and (b) that both balls are of same color.
Relevant Equations
P(A and B and C) = P(A) P(B) P(C), if A,B,C are independent events
P(A or B or C) = P(A) + P(B) + P(C), if A,B,C are mutually exclusive events
My attempt for part (a) is as given below. I will attempt part (b) after getting part (a) correct.

(a) Based on what is asked, we can identify 3 independent events as follows: (i) select any 2 bags followed by (ii) select a ball from one bag followed by (iii) select a ball from the other bag. Also, we will have 3 mutually exclusive events of selecting any 2 of 3 bags, which are listed as Case 1, Case 2 and Case 3. We find the probability of selecting 2 white balls under each case and then add them up to get probability of selecting a white ball from any of the 2 bags.

Case 1: (2w,1b) and (3w,3b)
Probability of selecting these two bags out of three bags ## =\frac {2} {3}##
$$\text{P(2w1)} = \frac {2}{3} \times \frac {3}{6} \times \frac {2}{3} = \frac {2}{9}$$

Case 2: (2w,1b) and (6w,2b)
Probability of selecting these two bags out of three bags ## =\frac {2} {3}##
$$\text{P(2w2) }= \frac {2}{3} \times \frac {6}{8} \times \frac {2}{3} = \frac {1}{3}$$

Case 3: (3w,3b) and (6w,2b)
Probability of selecting these two bags out of three bags = ##\frac {2} {3}##
$$\text{P(2w3) }= \frac {3}{6} \times \frac {6}{8} \times \frac {2}{3} = \frac {1}{4}$$
$$\therefore \text{P(2w) } = \text{P(2w1) } + \text{P(2w2) } + \text{P(2w3) } = \frac {2}{9} + \frac {1}{3} + \frac {1}{4} = \frac {29}{36}$$
But the answer given in the book for part (a) is ##\frac {29} {72}##.
I am not sure where I have made a mistake.
 
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You have 3 disjoint cases for picking the two bags and say that each one has 2/3 probability. That adds up to a lot of probability. You should rethink that.
 
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FactChecker said:
You have 3 disjoint cases for picking the two bags and say that each one has 2/3 probability. That adds up to a lot of probability. You should rethink that.
Yes, I made a silly mistake. Thankyou for pointing out my mistake.

The correct way of determining probability of selecting two bags in Case 1 or Case 2 or Case 3 should be ##\frac {1} {{}^3 C_2} = \frac {1}{3}##. Then the answer comes out to be ##\frac {29}{72}##, which matches the answer given in the book.
 
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