Simple combinatorics q

1. Jul 28, 2005

catalyst55

The question goes something like this...

What is the probability of an E being one of the 4 randomly chosen letters from the word ENERGISE?

This is how i did it (the book says its wrong):

ENERGISE ==> 3 Es, 5 Non-Es (partitioning)

hence: (3c1*5c3)/(8c4)

the book has 55/56....

Cheers

2. Jul 28, 2005

Townsend

(note 8C3 is 56...why would the book have that?)

3. Jul 28, 2005

Gokul43201

Staff Emeritus
Catalyst : I suggest you write down the question exactly as it appears. There are two similar looking possibilities : (i) the probability that there is EXACTLY 1 E among 4 randomly chosen letters , and (ii) the probability that there is AT LEAST 1 E among the 4 letters.

PS : You have answered assuming the first case. If that is the right case, then your answer is correct. Notice that the book's answer = 1 - your answer. If it is the second case, the book's answer is still wrong.

4. Jul 28, 2005

Townsend

Why do you say that? catalyst55's answer is 3/7....1-3/7=4/7. Am I missing something here??????

5. Jul 28, 2005

Gokul43201

Staff Emeritus
No, you're not. I'm just losing it slowly...

My bad there. I must have forgotten how to multiply !

6. Jul 29, 2005

catalyst55

Hey Gokul43201,

I've thought about that and ive concluded that its definitely the former -- either way the answer on the back is wrong.

I've also asked my teacher and he's confirmed this.

Thanks a lot for your help guys.