Solve the given problem involving probability without replacement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a probability problem involving drawing balls without replacement. Participants explore various approaches to calculating the probability of drawing a green ball on specific picks, questioning the validity of their methods and the scoring criteria for the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss trial and error methods alongside more structured approaches, such as using combinations or sequences. There are attempts to derive formulas for the probability of drawing a green ball, with some participants questioning the assumptions behind their calculations and the scoring system for the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple participants sharing their calculations and methods. Some participants express a desire for a more concrete approach, while others reflect on the scoring criteria and the logical reasoning required for the problem. There is no explicit consensus on the best method or the scoring system, but various interpretations and calculations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the problem is from a past paper and discuss the implications of the scoring system, suggesting that the marks awarded may depend on the completeness of the solution provided.

chwala
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Homework Statement
This is apast paper question. Allow me to post it as it is.
Relevant Equations
Probability
1728080305462.png


Okay, i was able to solve it by trial and error, i am seeking for a more concrete approach. Can combination work here? or a more solid approach using sequences? or probability itself?

My trial and error,
##P_{green} = \dfrac{9}{12}×\dfrac{8}{11} ×\dfrac{7}{10}×\dfrac{6}{9}×\dfrac{3}{8} = \dfrac{21}{220}##

##n=5##.

and why 2 marks? or there is a shorter method.
 
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chwala said:
and why 2 marks?
And how should we know how many marks there are supposed to be? Is 2 not a perfect score for this question?
 
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chwala said:
a more concrete approach
Excel:
1728096424538.png


The calculated value in C6 equals the target value in D6 when n=5.
 

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Hill said:
Excel:
View attachment 351877

The calculated value in C6 equals the target value in D6 when n=5.
ok @Hill, I can see that you're still using the same approach as I am, but you're doing it differently. For instance, following your method,

##P(2) = \dfrac{9}{12}×\dfrac{3}{11}=0.204525##

and so on.

Cheers man!
 
chwala said:
ok @Hill, I can see that you're still using the same approach as I am, but you're doing it differently. For instance, following your method,

##P(2) = \dfrac{9}{12}×\dfrac{3}{11}=0.204525##

and so on.

Cheers man!
These formulas are behind my numbers:
1728108388293.png


I.e., ##P(n)=\frac {3}{13-n}+\frac{10-n}{13-n}*P(n-1)##

In my approach, ##P(2) = 0.454545##, but rather ##P(2)-P(1)=0.204545##.
 
Last edited:
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## \begin{align}
P(n)&=\frac{9!}{(10-n)!}\cdot \frac{(12-n)!}{12!}\cdot3\nonumber\\
&=\frac{(12-n) \cdot (11-n)}{12\cdot 11\cdot 10}\cdot 3\nonumber\\
&=\frac{n^2-23n+132}{440}\nonumber
\end{align} ##

where ## P(n) ## is the probability that Marie picks a green ball on pick ## n ##.
 
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I forgot to say that in my posts 3 and 5, ##P(n)## is the probability of picking a green ball on picks ##1## - ##n##. Thus, ##P(n)-P(n-1)## is the probability of picking a green ball on pick ##n##.
 
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chwala said:
Homework Statement: This is apast paper question. Allow me to post it as it is.
Relevant Equations: Probability

View attachment 351870

Okay, i was able to solve it by trial and error, i am seeking for a more concrete approach. Can combination work here? or a more solid approach using sequences? or probability itself?

My trial and error,
##P_{green} = \dfrac{9}{12}×\dfrac{8}{11} ×\dfrac{7}{10}×\dfrac{6}{9}×\dfrac{3}{8} = \dfrac{21}{220}##

##n=5##.

and why 2 marks? or there is a shorter method.
I would do it this way.
 
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We can work backwards from \frac{21}{220} until we get something we can recognise as P(n) for some n. We have a factor of 7 and a factor of 3 in the numerator, so we need at least factors of 9 and 8, which we get by multiplying by 9/9 = 1 and 8/8 = 1. We don't hae a factor of 12 in the denominator, but we can get that by mupltiying by 6/6 = 1 and combining the 6 with a factor of 2. Hence
\begin{split}<br /> \frac{21}{220} &amp;= \frac{7 \times 3}{2 \times 10 \times 11} \\<br /> &amp;= \frac{9}{9} \times \frac88 \times \frac{6}{6} \times \frac{7 \times 3}{2 \times 10 \times 11} \\<br /> &amp;= \frac{9}{6 \times 2} \times \frac{8}{11} \times \frac{7}{10} \times \frac{6}{9} \times \frac{3}{8} \\<br /> &amp;= P(5).\end{split}
 
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  • #10
phinds said:
And how should we know how many marks there are supposed to be? Is 2 not a perfect score for this question?
I agree that 2 marks is sufficient. Question requires logical thinking.
 
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chwala said:
I agree that 2 marks is sufficient. Question requires logical thinking.
As I understand it, there can be three cases.

The first case is a complete solution. That means there is a correct trial for n=5 (the fifth ball is green). In this case a student scores the mark 2.
The second case is an incomplete solution. That means there is a correct trial for n=4 (the fourth ball is green) or n=3 (the third ball is green) or n=2 (the second ball is green). In this case a student scores the mark 1.
The third case is an incomplete solution too. But in this case that means there is only 1 correct trial for n=1 (the first ball is green) or there is not a correct trial. In this case a student does not score a mark.
 
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