A class with n kids lines up for recess. The order in which the kids line up is random with each ordering being equally likely. There are three kids in the class named John, Betty, and Mary. The use of the word “or” in the description of the events, should be interpreted as the inclusive or. That is “A or B” means that A is true, B is true, or both A and B are true.Give an expression for each of the probabilities below as a function of n. Simplify your final expression as much as possible so that your answer does not include any expressions of the form (a over b). (a) What is the probability that Betty is first in line or Mary is last in line? (b) Explain the method used to calculate probability.

Algebra and Trigonometry (MindTap Course List)
4th Edition
ISBN:9781305071742
Author:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Publisher:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Chapter14: Counting And Probability
Section14.2: Probability
Problem 4E: Let E and F be events in a sample space S. aThe probability of E and F occurring is...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Topic Video
Question

A class with n kids lines up for recess. The order in which the kids line up is random with each ordering being equally likely. There are three kids in the class named John, Betty, and Mary. The use of the word “or” in the description of the events, should be interpreted as the inclusive or. That is “A or B” means that A is true, B is true, or both A and B are true.Give an expression for each of the probabilities below as a function of n. Simplify your final expression as much as possible so that your answer does not include any expressions of the form (a over b).

(a) What is the probability that Betty is first in line or Mary is last in line?

(b) Explain the method used to calculate probability.

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Sample space, Events, and Basic Rules of Probability
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, probability and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Algebra and Trigonometry (MindTap Course List)
Algebra and Trigonometry (MindTap Course List)
Algebra
ISBN:
9781305071742
Author:
James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
College Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra
ISBN:
9781305115545
Author:
James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Holt Mcdougal Larson Pre-algebra: Student Edition…
Holt Mcdougal Larson Pre-algebra: Student Edition…
Algebra
ISBN:
9780547587776
Author:
HOLT MCDOUGAL
Publisher:
HOLT MCDOUGAL