Please assist with this probability question for discrete mathematics. A class with n

Reggie

Reggie

Answered question

2021-08-12

Please assist with this probability question for discrete mathematics.
A class with n kids lines up for recess. The order in which the kids line up is random with each ordering being likely. There are two kids in the class named 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.
What is the probability that Betty is first in line or Mary is last in line as a function of n? Simplify your final expression as much as possible and include an explanation of how you calculated this probability.

Answer & Explanation

lobeflepnoumni

lobeflepnoumni

Skilled2021-08-13Added 99 answers

Step 1 
Define M and B such that Betty being first in line is the event of B. Consequently, the likelihood of event B is,
P(B)=the number of ways of line up when Betty is the first in linethe total number of ways n children line u 
=1×(n1)!n! 
=1n 
Step 2 
And, 
Mary is last in the queue in the event M. Consequently, the likelihood of event M is, 
P(M)=the number of ways of line up when Marry is last in linethe total number of ways n children line up 
=(n1)!×1n! 
=1n 
Step 3 
Events M and B are apart from one another, hence,
P(M and B)=P(M)P(B)=1n×1n=1n2 
Consequently, based on the definition provided in the query, the likelihood,
P(M or B)=P(M)+P(B)+P(M and B) 
=1n+1n+1n2 
=2n+1n2 
=2n+1n2

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