Show that ##P(X=2)=\dfrac{2}{15}##

  • Thread starter Thread starter chwala
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The probability of obtaining a sum of 2 from two randomly drawn cards, one from Pack A and one from Pack B, is established as P(X=2)=\dfrac{2}{15}. This conclusion is derived from the only possible combination of drawing a 0 from Pack A and a 2 from Pack B, calculated as P(0 from A) x P(2 from B) = \dfrac{2}{10} \cdot \dfrac{4}{6}. The discussion also emphasizes the efficiency of this method in an exam setting, highlighting that it requires less writing while still adhering to basic probability principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic probability concepts
  • Familiarity with random variables and their distributions
  • Knowledge of conditional probability
  • Ability to calculate probabilities from combinatorial outcomes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of combinatorial probability
  • Learn about conditional probability and its applications
  • Explore different methods for calculating probabilities in discrete random variables
  • Review exam strategies for efficiently solving probability problems
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for exams in probability theory, educators teaching probability concepts, and anyone interested in efficient problem-solving techniques in statistics.

chwala
Gold Member
Messages
2,828
Reaction score
421
Homework Statement
Pack A consists of ##10## cards numbered ##0,0,1,1,1,1,1,3,3,3##. Pack B consists of ##6## cards numbered ##0,0,2,2,2,2##. One card is chosen at random from each pack. The random variable ##X##is defined as the sum on the two cards.

Show that ##P(X=2)=\dfrac{2}{15}##
Relevant Equations
Probability
My approach;

0011111333
00011111333
00011111333
22233333555
22233333555
22233333555
22233333555

##P(X=2)=\dfrac{8}{60}=\dfrac{4}{30}=\dfrac{2}{15}##

Mark scheme solution;

1671614545136.png


just sharing...cheers! Any insight is welcome.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Part iii. of the question.

Given that ##x=3##, find the probability that the card chosen from Pack A is a ##1##.

In the markscheme (well understood), they used Conditional probability i.e

1671615889772.png


Alternatively, from my table above;

We have ##P(x=3)=\dfrac {26}{60}## and the Probability ##P(A1∩sum 3)= \dfrac {20}{60}##

therefore;

The probability that the card chosen from Pack A is a ##1=\dfrac {20}{60}×\dfrac {60}{26}=\dfrac {20}{26}=\dfrac {10}{13}##
 
Your answer seems fine to me, the mark scheme says getting the probabilities by counting is fine.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: WWGD and chwala
chwala said:
Homework Statement:: Pack A consists of ##10## cards numbered ##0,0,1,1,1,1,1,3,3,3##. Pack B consists of ##6## cards numbered ##0,0,2,2,2,2##. One card is chosen at random from each pack. The random variable ##X##is defined as the sum on the two cards.

Show that ##P(X=2)=\dfrac{2}{15}##
A method that requires a lot less writing is this:
To get a total of 2 from the two cards, the only possibility is to select a 0 card from pack A and a 2 card from pack B.
With the r.v. X being the sum of the two cards, P(X = 2) = P(0 from A and 2 from B) = P(0 from A) x P(2 from B) = ##\frac 2 {10} \cdot \frac 4 6 = \frac 2 {15}##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: chwala
Mark44 said:
A method that requires a lot less writing is this:
To get a total of 2 from the two cards, the only possibility is to select a 0 card from pack A and a 2 card from pack B.
With the r.v. X being the sum of the two cards, P(X = 2) = P(0 from A and 2 from B) = P(0 from A) x P(2 from B) = ##\frac 2 {10} \cdot \frac 4 6 = \frac 2 {15}##.
Brilliant! @Mark44 ...

Would one get full marks using this exceptional approach...
 
chwala said:
Brilliant! @Mark44 ...

Would one get full marks using this exceptional approach...
I don't see why not.
What I did simply uses basic properties of probabilities.
 
chwala said:
Any insight is welcome.
You haven't got time (or space) to write all that out in an exam. It can easily be seen that the only way to get a sum of 2 is to draw a 0 from the first pack and a 2 from the second pack. There are 2 x 4 = 8 ways to do that and there are 10 x 6 = 60 total draws.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: chwala
chwala said:
Would one get full marks using this exceptional approach...
On this question? Yes. On the whole exam? Probably not - you won't have time to finish it if you use approaches like this.
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: chwala

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K