What is the probability of getting a sum of 10 when rolling two unfair dice?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the probability of obtaining a sum of 10 when rolling two unfair dice with specified probabilities for each face. The probabilities for the faces are given as 1/6, 1/6, 1/9, x, 2/9, and y, where x and y represent the probabilities for faces 4 and 6, respectively. The equations derived include x + y = 1/3 and x² + y² = 13/18, leading to the conclusion that the probability of achieving a sum of 10 involves the expression 2xy + (2/9)². A critical arithmetic error was identified in the calculations, specifically regarding the factor of 9 in the denominator.

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Homework Statement


(see attachment)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The sum of the probabilities of each number on the dice is 1, i.e
\frac{1}{6}+\frac{1}{6}+\frac{1}{9}+x+\frac{2}{9}+y=1
where x and y are the probabilities of number 4 and 6 respectively. Solving,
x+y=\frac{1}{3}

The probability that the two dice shows same number is
\left(\frac{1}{6} \right)^2+\left(\frac{1}{6} \right)^2+\left(\frac{1}{9} \right)^2+x^2+\left(\frac{2}{9} \right)^2+y^2=\left(\frac{2}{3} \right)^4
Solving, x^2+y^2=\frac{13}{18}
Rewriting ##x^2+y^2## as ##(x+y)^2-2xy## and substituting the value of ##x+y##,
2xy=\frac{-11}{18}
For the sum of two resulting numbers to be 10, there are three possible cases. The first shows 4 and the second shows 6 or (4,6). The other cases are (5,5) and (6,4).
The probability that the sum of the two resulting numbers is 10 can be given by the expression:
2xy+\left(\frac{2}{9} \right)^2
Substituting the value of ##2xy##, I get a negative answer. :confused:

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 

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I think you are just messing up the arithmetic. I don't get x^2+y^2=13/18. Check it.
 
Dick said:
I think you are just messing up the arithmetic. I don't get x^2+y^2=13/18. Check it.

Oh yes, I missed a factor of 9 in the denominator. :redface:

Thanks Dick! :smile:
 

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