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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of a specific outcome, ##P(X=2)##, where ##X## is defined as the sum of two randomly chosen cards from two distinct packs. Pack A contains cards numbered 0, 1, and 3, while Pack B contains cards numbered 0 and 2. Participants explore the conditions under which this probability can be derived.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present various methods to calculate the probability, including counting methods and conditional probability. Some question the efficiency of different approaches and whether simpler methods would suffice in an exam setting.

Discussion Status

Several participants have shared their reasoning and methods for calculating ##P(X=2)##, with some expressing confidence in the validity of their approaches. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these methods for exam performance, but no consensus has been reached on a singular best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of time and space in an exam context, suggesting that while certain methods may be valid, they may not be practical for completion within typical exam conditions.

chwala
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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}##.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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