Random Walk - Falling into a pool

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves a clown randomly drawing balls from a bag containing equal numbers of red and blue balls, with red balls prompting a step toward the pool and blue balls a step away. The probability of falling into the pool is influenced by the probabilities of drawing red (R) and blue (B) balls. A recursive approach is suggested to calculate the overall probability of falling in, considering the outcomes of each draw. Visual aids like tree diagrams are recommended to help sum the probabilities of falling in at various steps. The discussion emphasizes finding a formula to express the cumulative probability of the clown falling into the pool.
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Homework Statement



A clown stands at the side of a swimming pool. In his hand is a bag containing n red balls and n blue balls. At each step he puts his hand into the bag and pulls out a random ball and throws it away. If the ball is red, he makes a step towards the pool and if it is blue, he makes a step away from the pool. What is the probability that the clown falls into the pool?

The Attempt at a Solution



Let R be the probability that he draws a red ball. Let B be the probability he draws a blue ball.

P(falling) = R + B\left[ RR + RB... \right]

I want to do some kind of recursion but I'm not exactly sure if I'm approaching this problem correctly.

Any help?
 
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Draw a tree diagram and look at the probability that you fall into the pool the first step, the second step etc. Try find a formula and sum all these probabilities.
 
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