Probaility

Short Answer Type Questions

1. A and B are two candidates seeking admission in a college. The probability

that A is selected is 0.7 and the probability that exactly one of them is selected
is 0.6. Find the probability that B is selected.
Sol. Let p be the probability that B gets selected.
P (Exactly one of A, B is selected) = 0.6 (given)
P (A is selected, B is not selected; B is selected, A is not selected) = 0.6
P ( A ∩ B′ ) + P ( A′ ∩ B ) = 0.6
⇒ P ( A ) P ( B′ ) + P ( A′ ) P ( B ) = 0.6
⇒ ( 0.7 )(1 – p ) + ( 0.3) p = 0.6
⇒ p = 0.25
Thus, the probability that B gets selected is 0.25.
2. The probability of simultaneous occurrence of at least one of two events A and
B is p. If the probability that exactly one of A, B occurs is q, then prove that
P ( A′ ) + P ( B′ ) = 2 – 2 p + q .
Sol. Since P (exactly one of A, B occurs) = q(given), we get
P ( A ∪ B) – P ( A ∩ B) = q
⇒ p – P ( A ∩ B) = q
⇒ P ( A ∩ B) = p – q
⇒ 1 – P ( A′ ∪ B′ ) = p – q
⇒ P ( A′ ∪ B′ ) = 1 – p + q
⇒ P ( A′ ) + P ( B′ ) – P ( A′ ∩ B′ ) = 1 – p + q
⇒ P ( A′ ) + P ( B′ ) = (1 – p + q ) + P ( A′ ∩ B′ )
= (1 – p + q ) + (1 – P ( A ∪ B ) )
= (1 – p + q ) + (1 – p )
= 2 – 2 p + q.
3. 10% of the bulbs produced in a factory are of red colour and 2% are red and
defective. If one bulb is picked up at random, determine the probability of its
being defective if it is red.
Sol. Let A and B be the events that the bulb is red and defective, respectively.
10 1
P(A) = = ,
100 10
2 1
P(A ∩ B) = =
100 50
 P(A ∩ B) 1 10 1
P(B | A)= = × =
P(A) 50 1 5
1
Thus, the probability of the picked up bulb of its being defective, if it is red, is
.
5
4. Two dice are thrown together. Let A be the event ‘getting 6 on the first die’ and
B be the event ‘getting 2 on the second die’. Are the events A and B
independent?
Sol. A = {(6, 1), (6, 2), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6)}
B = {(1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 2), (4, 2), (5, 2), (6, 2)}
A ∩ B = {( 6, 2 )}
6 1 1 1
P(A)= = , P(B)= , P(A ∩ B)=
36 6 6 36
Events A and B will be independent if
P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( A) P ( B )
1 1 1 1
i.e., LHS =P(A ∩ B) = , RHS =P(A)P(B)= × =
36 6 6 36
Hence, A and B are independent.
5. A committee of 4 students is selected at random from a group consisting 8
boys and 4 girls. Given that there is at least one girl on the committee,
calculate the probability that there are exactly 2 girls on the committee.
Sol. Let A denote the event that at least one girl will be chosen, and B the event that
exactly 2 girls will be chosen. We require P ( B | A ) .
Since A denotes the event that at least one girl will be chosen, A’ denotes that no girl
is chosen, i.e., 4 boys are chosen. Then
8
C 70 14
P(A')= 12 4 = =
C4 495 99
14 85
P(A) =1-
99 99
8
C2 .4 C2
Now P(A ∩ B)=P (2boys and 2 girls) = 12
C4
6 × 28 56
= =
495 165
P(A ∩ B) 56 99 168
Thus P(B|A) = = × =
P(A) 165 85 425
6. Three machines E1, E2, E3 in a certain factory produce 50%, 25% and 25%,
respectively, of the total daily output of electric tubes. It is known that 4% of
the tubes produced one each of machines E1 and E2 are defective, and that 5%
 of those produced on E3 are defective. If one tube is picked up at random from
a day’s production, calculate the probability that it is defective.
Sol. Let D be the event that the picked-up tube is defective.
Let A1 , A2 and A3 be the events that the tube is produced on machines E1, E2 and E3
respectively.
P(D)=P(A1 ) P(D|A1 )+P(A 2 ) P(D|A 2 ) + P(A 3 )P(D|A3 )
50 1 1 1
P(A1 ) = = , P(A 2 ) = , P(A3 )
100 2 4 4
4 1
Also P(D|A1 ) = P(D|A 2 ) = =
100 25
5 1
P(D|A 3 ) = =
100 20
Putting these values in (1), we get
1 1 1 1 1 1
P(D)= × + × + ×
2 25 4 25 4 20
1 1 1 17
= + + = = .0425
50 100 80 400
7. Find the probability that in 10 throws of a fair die a score which is a multiple
of 3 will be obtained in at least 8 of the throws.
Sol. Here success is a score which is a multiple of 3 i.e., 3 or 6.
2 1
Therefore, p(3 or 6) =
6 3
The probability of r success in 10 throws is given by
r 10 − r
1  2
P(r)=10Cr    
3  3
Now P (at least 8 successes) = P (8) + P (9) + P (10)
8 2 9 1 10
1  2 1 2 1
= 10 C8     + 10C9     + 10C10  
3  3 3  3 3
1 201
= 10 [45 × 4 + 10 × 2 + 1] = 10 .
3 3
8. A discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution:

Find the value of C. Also find the mean of the distribution.

Sol. Since ∑ pi = 1 , we have
 C + 2C + 2C + 3C + C 2 + 2C 2 + 7C 2 + C = 1
i.e., 10C 2 + 9C – 1 = 0
i.e., (10C –1)( C + 1) = 0
1
⇒C= , C = −1
10
1
Therefore, the permissible value of C = (Why?)
10
n 7
Mean = ∑ xi pi = ∑ xi pi
i =1 i =1

1 2 2 3  1
2
 1
2
  1 2 1 
= 1+ + 2 × + 3× + 4× + 5  + 6 × 2  + 7  7   + 
10 10 10 10  10   10    10  10 
 
1 4 6 12 5 12 49 7
= + + + + + + +
10 10 10 10 100 100 100 10
= 3.66.

Long Answer Type Questions

9. Four balls are to be drawn without replacement from a box containing 8 red
and 4 white balls. If X denotes the number of red ball drawn, find the
probability distribution of X.
Sol. Since 4 balls have to be drawn, therefore, X can take the values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.
P ( X = 0 ) = P (no red ball) = P (4 white balls)
4
C4 1
12
=
C4 495
P ( X = 1) = P (1 red ball and 3 white balls)
8
C1 ×4 C3 32
12
=
C4 495
P ( X = 2 ) = P (2 red balls and 2 white balls)
8
C2 ×4 C2 168
12
=
C4 495
P ( X = 3 ) = P (3 red balls and 1 white ball)
8
C3 ×4 C1 224
12
=
C4 495
 8
C4 70
P ( X = 4 ) = P (4 red balls) = 12
= .
C4 495
Thus, the following is the required probability distribution of X

10. Determine variance and standard deviation of the number of heads in three
tosses of a coin.
Sol. Let X denote the number of heads tossed. So, X can take the values 0, 1, 2, 3. When a
coin is tossed three times, we get
Sample space S = {HHH, HHT, HTH, HTT, THH, THT, TTH, TTT}
1
P ( X = 0 ) = P (no head) = P (TTT) =
8
3
P ( X = 1) = P (one head) = P (HTT, THT, TTH) =
8
3
P ( X = 2 ) = P (two heads) = P (HHT, HTH, THH) =
8
1
P ( X = 3 ) = P (three heads) = P (HHH) =
8
Thus the probability distribution of X is:

Variance of X = σ 2 = ∑ xi2 pi − u 2 , (1)

where μ is the mean of X given by
1 3 3 1
µ = ∑ xi pi = 0 × + 1× + 2 × + 3×
8 8 8 8
3
= (2)
2
1 3 3 1
Now ∑ xi2 pi = 02 × + 12 × + 22 × + 32 × = 3 (3)
8 8 8 8
From (1), (2) and (3), we get
 2
3 3
σ 2 = 3−  =
2 4
3 3
Standard deviation = σ 2 = = .
4 2
11. Refer to Example 6. Calculate the probability that the defective tube was
produced on machine E1.
Sol. Now, we have to find P ( A1 / D) .
P(A1 ∩ D) P(A1 )P(D/A1 )
P(A1 / D ) = =
P(D) P(D)
1 1
×
8
= 2 25 = .
17 17
400
12. A car manufacturing factory has two plants, X and Y. Plant X manufactures
70% of cars and plant Y manufactures 30%. 80% of the cars at plant X and
90% of the cars at plant Y are rated of standard quality. A car is chosen at
random and is found to be of standard quality. What is the probability that it
has come from plant X?
Sol. Let E be the event that the car is of standard quality. Let B1 and B2 be the events
that the car is manufactured in plants X and Y, respectively. Now
70 7 30 3
P(B1 )= = , P(B2 )= =
100 10 100 10
P ( E | B1 ) = Probability that a standard quality car is manufactured in plant
80 8
= =
100 10
90 9
P(E | B2 ) = =
100 10
P ( B1 | E ) = Probability that a standard quality car has come from plant X
P(B1 ) × P(E | B1 )
=
P(B1 ).P(E | B1 )+P(B2 ).P(E | B2 )
7 8
×
10 10 56
= =
7 8 3 9 83
× + ×
10 10 10 10
56
Hence the required probability is .
83
 Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options in each of the Examples 13 to
17.
13. Let A and B be two events. If P ( A ) = 0.2, P ( B ) = 0.4, P( AB) = 0.6, then P ( A | B )
is equal to
(A) 0.8 (B) 0.5 (C) 0.3 (D) 0
Sol. The correct answer is (D). From the given data P ( A ) + P ( B ) = P ( A ∪ B ) .
P(A ∩ B)
This shows that P ( A ∩ B ) = 0 . Thus, P ( A | B ) = = 0.
P(B)
14. Let A and B be two events such that P ( A ) = 0.6, P ( B ) = 0.2, and P ( A | B ) = 0.5 .
Then P ( A′ | B ′ ) equals
1
(A)
10
3
(B)
10
3
(C)
8
6
(D)
7
Sol. The correct answer is (C). P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( A | B ) P ( B )
= 0.5 × 0.2 = 0.1
P(A' ∩ B') P[(A ∪ B')] 1 − P(A ∪ B)
P(A'|B')= = =
P(B') P(B') 1 − P(B)
1 − P(A) − P(B) + P(A ∩ B) 3
= = .
1 − 0.2 8
15. If A and B are independent events such that 0 < P ( A ) < 1 and 0 < P ( B ) < 1, then
which of the following is not correct?
(A) A and B are mutually exclusive
(B) A and B′ are independent
(C) A′ and B are independent
(D) A′ and B′ are independent
Sol. The correct answer is (A).
16. Let X be a discrete random variable. The probability distribution of X is given
below:
 Then E (X) is equal to
(A) 6 (B) 4 (C) 3 (D) –5
Sol. The correct answer is (B).
1 3 1
E(X)=30 × + 10 × − 10 × = 4.
5 10 2
17. Let X be a discrete random variable assuming values x1 , x2 ,....xn with
probabilities p1 , p2 ,.... pn , respectively. Then variance of X is given by
(A) E ( X 2 )
(B) E ( X 2 ) + E ( X )
2
(C) E ( X 2 ) –  E ( X ) 

(D) E(X 2 ) − [E(X)]2

Sol. The correct answer is (C).
Fill in the blanks in Examples 18 and 19
18. If A and B are independent events such that P ( A ) = p , P ( B ) = 2 p and P(Exactly
5
one of A, B) = , then p = _________________
9
1 5  5
Sol. p= ,  (1 − p )(2 p ) + p (1 − 2 p ) = 3 p − 4 p 2 = 
3 12  9
19. If A and B′ are independent events then P ( A′ ∪ B ) = 1 – ________
Sol. P ( A′ ∪ B ) = 1 – P ( A ∩ B′ ) = 1 – P ( A ) P ( B′ ) (since A and B′ are independent).
State whether each of the statement in Examples 20 to 22 is True or False
20. Let A and B be two independent events. Then P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( A ) + P ( B ) .
Sol. False, because P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( A ) .P ( B ) when events A and B are independent.
21. Three events A, B and C are said to be independent if
P ( A ∩ B ∩ C ) = P ( A) P ( B ) P (C ) .
Sol. False. Reason is that A, B, C will be independent if they are pairwise independent
and P ( A ∩ B ∩ C ) = P ( A ) P ( B ) P ( C ) .
22. One of the condition of Bernoulli trials is that the trials are independent of
each other.
Sol. True.
 Probability
Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options in each of the exercises from
56 to 82.
4 7
56. If P(A)= , and P(A ∩ B)= , then P ( B | A ) is equal to
5 10
1
(A)
10
1
(B)
8
7
(C)
8
17
(D)
20
4 7
Sol. (C) ∵ P( A) = , P( A ∩ B) =
5 10
P ( A ∩ B ) 7 / 10 7
∴ P ( B / A) = = =
P ( A) 4/5 8
7 17
57. If P(A ∩ B)= and P(B)= , then P ( A / B ) equals
10 20
14
(A)
17
17
(B)
20
7
(C)
8
1
(D)
8
7 17
Sol. (A) Here, P ( A ∩ B ) = and P ( B ) =
10 20
P ( A ∩ B ) 7 / 10 14
∴ P( A / B) = = =
P( B) 17 / 20 17
3 2 3
58. If P(A) = , P(B) = and P(A ∪ B) = , then P ( B / A ) + P ( A / B ) equals
10 5 5
1
(A)
4
 1
(B)
3
5
(C)
12
7
(D)
2
3 2 3
Sol. (D) Here, P( A) = , P( B) = and P( A ∪ B) =
10 5 5
P ( B ∩ A) P ( A ∩ B )
P ( B / A) + P ( A / B ) = +
P ( A) P ( B)
P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∪ B ) P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∪ B )
= +
P ( A) P( B )
∵ P( A ∪ B) = P( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B) 
i.e., P( A ∩ B) = P( A) + P( B) − P( A ∪ B) 
 
3 2 3 3 2 3
+ − + −
= 10 5 5 + 10 5 5
3 2
10 5
1 1
1 1 7
= 10 + 10 = + =
3 2 3 4 12
10 5
2 3 1
59. If P(A) = , P(B) = and P(A ∩ B) = , then P(A’ | B’).P(B’ | A’) is equal to
5 10 5
5
(A)
6
5
(B)
7
25
(C)
42
(D) 1
2 3 1
Sol. (C) Here, P( A) = , P( B) = and P( A ∩ B) =
5 10 5
P ( A '∩ B ') 1 − P ( A ∪ B )
P ( A '/ B ') = =
P ( B ') 1 − P( B)
1 − [ P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )]
=
1 − P( B)
 2 3 1
1−  + − 
= 
5 10 5 
3
1−
10
 4 +3− 2  1
1−   1−
= 
10  2=5
=
7 7 7
10 10
P ( B '∩ A ') 1 − P ( A ∪ B )
And P ( B '/ A ') = =
P ( A ') 1 − P ( A)
1
1−
2 = 1/ 2 = 5  1
=
2 3/ 5 6 ∵ P( A ∪ B) = 2 
1−
5
5 5 25
∴ P( A '/ B ') ⋅ P( B '/ A ') = ⋅ =
7 6 42
1 1 1
60. If A and B are two events such that P(A) = , P(B) = , P(A/B) = , then
2 3 4
P(A' ∩ B') equals
1
(A)
12
3
(B)
4
1
(C)
4
3
(D)
16
1 1 1
Sol. (C) Here, P( A) = , P( B) = and P( A / B) =
2 3 4
P( A ∩ B)
∵ P ( A / B) =
P( B)
1 1 1
⇒ P( A ∩ B) = P( A / B) ⋅ P ( B) = ⋅ =
4 3 12
Now, P ( A '∩ B ') = 1 − P( A ∪ B)
= 1 − [ P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )]
1 1 1   6 + 4 − 1
= 1−  + −  = 1− 
 2 3 12   12 
 9 3 1
= 1− = =
12 12 4
61. If P ( A ) = 0.4, P ( B ) = 0.8 and P ( B | A ) = 0.6, then P( A ∪ B) is equal to
(A) 0.24
(B) 0.3
(C) 0.48
(D) 0.96
Sol. (D) Here, P ( A ) = 0.4, P ( B ) = 0.8 and P ( B | A ) = 0.6,
P( B ∩ A)
∵ P ( B / A) =
P( A)
⇒ P( B ∩ A) = P( B / A) ⋅ P( A)
= 0.6 × 0.4 = 0.24
∵ P( A ∪ B) = P( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)
= 0.4 + 0.8 − 0.24
= 1.2 − 0.24 = 0.96
62. If A and B are two events and A ≠ φ , B ≠ φ , then
(A) P ( A / B ) = P ( A ) .P ( B )
P(A ∩ B)
(B) P(A/B)=
P(B)
(C) P ( A / B ) .P ( B / A ) = 1
(D) P ( A / B ) = P ( A ) / P ( B )
P( A ∩ B)
Sol. (B) If A ≠ φ and B ≠ φ , then P ( A / B ) =
P( B)
63. A and B are events such that P ( A ) = 0.4, P ( B ) = 0.3 and P ( A ∪ B) = 0.5 , Then
P ( B '∩ A) equals
2
(A)
3
1
(B)
2
3
(C)
10
1
(D)
5
Sol. (D) Here, P ( A ) = 0.4, P ( B ) = 0.3 and P ( A ∪ B) = 0.5
 ∵ P ( A ∪ B ) = P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )
⇒ P ( A ∩ B ) = 0.4 + 0.3 − 0.5 = 0.2
∵ P( B '∩ A) = P( A) − P( A ∩ B)
1
= 0.4 − 0.2 = 0.2 =
5
3 1
64. You are given that A and B are two events such that P(B)= , P(A/B)= and
5 2
4
P(A ∪ B)= , then P(A) equals
5
3
(A)
10
1
(B)
5
1
(C)
2
3
(D)
5
3 1 4
Sol. (C) Here, P( B) = , P( A / B) = and P( A ∪ B) =
5 2 5
P( A ∩ B)
∵ P ( A / B) =
P( B)
1 P( A ∩ B)
⇒ =
2 3/5
3 1 3
⇒ P( A ∩ B) = × =
5 2 10
And P( A ∪ B ) = P ( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)
4 3 3
⇒ − P ( A) + −
5 5 10
4 3 3 8−6+3 1
∴ P ( A) = − + = =
5 5 10 10 2
65. In Exercise 64 above, P ( B | A ' ) is equal to
1
(A)
5
3
(B)
10
1
(C)
2
 3
(D)
5
P ( B ∩ A ') P ( B ) − P ( B ∩ A)
Sol. (D) P ( B / A ') = =
P ( A ') 1 − P ( A)
3 3 6−3
−
= 5 10 = 10 = 6 = 3
1 1 10 5
1−
2 2
3 1 4
66. If P(B)= , P(A/B)= and P(A ∪ B)= , then P(A ∪ B)'+ P(A' ∪ B)=
5 2 5
1
(A)
5
4
(B)
5
1
(C)
2
(D) 1
3 1
Sol. (D) Here, P( B) = , P( A / B) =
5 2
4
And P( A ∪ B) =
5
P( A ∩ B)
Since, P ( A / B ) =
P( B)
⇒ P( A ∩ B) = P( A / B) ⋅ P( B)
1 3 3
= × =
2 5 10
Also, P( A ∪ B ) = P ( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)
4 3 3 1
⇒ P( A) = − + =
5 5 10 2
4 1
∴ P( A ∪ B) ' = 1 − P( A ∪ B) = 1 − =
5 5
And P ( A '∪ B ) = 1 − P( A − B) = 1 − P ( A ∩ B ')
= 1 − P( A) ⋅ P( B ')
1 2 4
= 1− ⋅ =
2 5 5
1 4 5
⇒ P( A ∪ B ') + P( A '∪ B) = + = = 1
5 5 5
 7 9 4
67. Let P(A)= , P(B)= and P(A ∩ B)= . Then P(A’/B) is equal to
13 13 13
6
(A)
13
4
(B)
13
4
(C)
9
5
(D)
9
7 9 4
Sol. (D) Here, P ( A) = , P( B) = and P( A ∩ B) =
13 13 13
P ( A '∩ B ) P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )
∵ P ( A '/ B ) = =
P( B) P( B)
9 4 5
−
5
= 13 13 = 13 =
9 9 9
13 13
68. If A and B are such events that P(A) > 0 and P(B)≠1, then P(A’/B’) equals.
(A) 1 – P ( A / B )
(B) 1 – P ( A '/ B )
1 − P(A ∪ B)
(C)
P(B')
(D) P ( A ' ) / P ( B ' )
Sol. (C) ∵ P( A) > 0 and P( B) ≠ 1
P ( A '∩ B ') 1 − P ( A ∪ B )
P ( A '/ B ') = =
P ( B ') P ( B ')
3 4
69. If A and B are two independent events with P(A)= and P(B)= , then
5 9
P(A' ∩ B') equals
4
(A)
15
8
(B)
45
1
(C)
3
 2
(D)
9
Sol. (D) P ( A '∩ B ') = 1 − P( A ∪ B)
= 1 − [ P( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)]
3 4 3 4
= 1 −  + − ×  [∵ P( A ∩ B) = P ( A) ⋅ P( B)]
5 9 5 9 
 27 + 20 − 12  35 10 2
= 1−   = 1− = =
 45  45 45 9
70. If two events are independent, then
(A) they must be mutually exclusive
(B) the sum of their probabilities must be equal to 1
(C) (A) and (B) are both are correct
(D) None of the above is correct
Sol. (D) If two events A and B are independent, then we know that
P ( A ∩ B) = P( A) ⋅ P( B), P( A) ≠ 0, P( B) ≠ 0
Since, A and B have a common outcome.
Further, mutually exclusive events never have a common outcome.
In other words, two independents events having non-zero probabilities of
occurrence cannot be mutually exclusive and conversely, i.e., two mutually exclusive
events having non-zero probabilities of outcome cannot be independent.
3 5 3
71. Let A and B be two events such that P(A)= , P(B)= and P(A ∪ B)= . Then
8 8 4
P ( A | B ) .P ( A '/ B ) is equal to
2
(A)
5
3
(B)
8
3
(C)
10
6
(D)
25
3 5 3
Sol. (D) Here, P( A) = , P( B) = and P( A ∪ B) =
8 8 4
∵ P ( A ∪ B ) = P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )
3 5 3 3+5−6 2 1
⇒ P( A ∩ B) = + − = = =
8 8 4 8 8 4
P( A ∩ B) 1 / 4 8 2
∵ P( A / B) = = = =
P( B) 5 / 8 20 5
 P ( A '∩ B ) P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )
And P ( A '/ B ) = =
P( B) P( B)
5 1 5− 2
−
= 8 4 = 8 =3
5 5 5
8 8
2 3 6
∴ P ( A / B) ⋅ P ( A '/ B) = ⋅ =
5 5 25
72. If the events A and B are independent, then P ( A ∩ B ) is equal to
(A) P ( A ) + P ( B )
(B) P ( A ) – P ( B )
(C) P ( A ) .P ( B )
(D) P ( A ) / P ( B )
Sol. (C) If A and B are independent, then P( A ∩ B) = P( A) ⋅ P( B)
73. Two events E and F are independent. If P ( E ) = 0.3, P ( E ∪ F ) = 0.5, then
P ( E | F ) – P ( F | E ) equals
2
(A)
7
3
(B)
35
1
(C)
70
1
(D)
7
Sol. (C) Here P ( E ) = 0.3, P ( E ∪ F ) = 0.5,
Let P(F) = x
∴ P( E ∪ F ) = P( E ) + P( F ) − P( E ∩ F )
= P( E ) + P( F ) − P( E ) ⋅ P( F )
⇒ 0.5 = 0.3 + x − 0.3x
0.5 − 0.3 2
⇒ x= = = P( F )
0.7 7
P( E ∩ F ) P( F ∩ E )
∴ P( E / F ) − P( F / E ) = −
P( F ) P( E )
 P( E ∩ F ) ⋅ P( E ) − P( F ∩ E ) ⋅ P( F )
=
P( E ) ⋅ P( F )
P( E ∩ F )[ P( E ) − P( F )]
= = P( E ) − P( F )
P( E ∩ F )
3 2 21 − 20 1
= − = =
10 7 70 70
74. A bag contains 5 red and 3 blue balls. If 3 balls are drawn at random without
replacement the probability of getting exactly one red ball is
45
(A)
196
135
(B)
392
15
(C)
56
15
(D)
29
Sol. (C) Probability of getting exactly one red (R) ball = PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR + PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR + PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR
5 3 2 3 5 2 3 2 5
= ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅
8 7 6 8 7 6 8 7 6
15 15 15
= + +
4⋅7⋅6 4⋅7⋅6 4⋅7⋅6
5 5 5 15
= + + =
56 56 56 56
75. Refer to Question 74 above. The probability that exactly two of the three balls
were red, the first ball being red, is
1
(A)
3
4
(B)
7
15
(C)
28
5
(D)
28
Sol. (B) Let E1 = Event that first ball being red
And E2 = Event that exactly two of three balls being red
 ∴ P ( E1 ) = PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR + PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR + PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR + PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR
5 4 3 5 4 3 5 3 4 5 3 2
= ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅
8 7 6 8 7 6 8 7 6 8 7 6
60 + 60 + 60 + 30 210
= =
336 336
P ( E1 ∩ E2 ) = PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR + PR ⋅ PR ⋅ PR
5 3 4 5 4 3 120
= ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ =
8 7 6 8 7 6 336
P ( E1 ∩ E2 ) 120 / 336 4
∴ P ( E2 / E1 ) = = =
P ( E1 ) 210 / 336 7
76. Three persons, A, B and C, fire at a target in turn, starting with A. Their
probability of hitting the target are 0.4, 0.3 and 0.2 respectively. The
probability of two hits is
(A) 0.024
(B) 0.188
(C) 0.336
(D) 0.452
Sol. (B) Here, P ( A) = 0.4, P ( A) = 0.6, P ( B ) = 0.3, P ( B ) = 0.7,
P(C ) = 0.2 And P (C ) = 0.8
∴ Probability of two hits = PA ⋅ PB ⋅ PC + PA ⋅ PB ⋅ PC + PA ⋅ PB ⋅ PC
= 0.4 × 0.3 × 0.8 + 0.4 × 0.7 × 0.2 + 0.6 × 0.3 × 0.2
= 0.096 + 0.056 + 0.036 = 0.188
77. Assume that in a family, each child is equally likely to be a boy or a girl. A
family with three children is chosen at random. The probability that the eldest
child is a girl given that the family has at least one girl is
1
(A)
2
1
(B)
3
2
(C)
3
4
(D)
7
Sol. (D) Here, S={(B,B,B, (G,G,G), (B,G,G), (G,B,G), (G,G,B), (G,B,B), (B,G,B), (B,B,G)}
E1 = Event that a family has at least one girl, then
E1 = {(G, B, B), (B, G, B), (B, B, G), (G, G, B), (B, G, G), (G, B, G), (G, G, G)}
E2 = Event that the eldest child is a girl, then
E2 = {(G, B, B), (G, G, B), (G, B, G), (G, G, G)}
 ∴ E1 ∩ E2 = {(G , B, B ), (G , G, B ), (G, B, G ), (G , G , G )}
P ( E1 ∩ E2 ) 4 / 8 4
∴ P ( E2 / E 1 ) = = =
P ( E1 ) 7/8 7
78. A die is thrown and a card is selected at random from a deck of 52 playing
cards. The probability of getting an even number on the die and a spade card
is
1
(A)
2
1
(B)
4
1
(C)
8
3
(D)
4
Sol. (C) Let E1 = Event for getting an even number on the die
And E2 = Event that a spade card is selected
3 1 13 1
∴ P ( E1 ) = = and P( E2 ) = =
6 2 52 4
1 1 1
Then, P( E1 ∩ E2 ) = P( E1 ) ⋅ P( E2 ) = ⋅ =
2 4 8
79. A box contains 3 orange balls, 3 green balls and 2 blue balls. Three balls are
drawn at random from the box without replacement. The probability of
drawing 2 green balls and one blue ball is
3
(A)
28
2
(B)
21
1
(C)
28
167
(D)
168
Sol. (A) Probability of drawing 2 green balls and one blue ball
= PG ⋅ PG ⋅ PB + PB ⋅ PG ⋅ PG + PG ⋅ PB ⋅ PG
3 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 2
= ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅
8 7 7 8 7 6 8 7 6
1 1 1 3
= + + =
28 28 28 28
80. A flashlight has 8 batteries out of which 3 are dead. If two batteries are
selected without replacement and tested, the probability that both are dead is
33
(A)
56
9
(B)
64
1
(C)
14
3
(D)
28
3 2 3
Sol. (D) Required probability = PD ⋅ PD = ⋅ =
8 7 28
81. Eight coins are tossed together. The probability of getting exactly 3 heads is
1
(A)
256
7
(B)
32
5
(C)
32
3
(D)
32
Sol. (B) We know that, Probability distribution P ( X = r ) = n C r ( p ) r q n −1
1 1
Here, n = 8, r = 3, p = and q =
2 2
3 8 −3 8

∴ Required probability = C3     =
81 1 8!  1 
 
2 2 5!3!  2 
8⋅7 ⋅6 1 7
= ⋅ =
3 ⋅ 2 16 ⋅16 32
82. Two dice are thrown. If it is known that the sum of numbers on the dice was
less than 6, the probability of getting a sum 3, is
1
(A)
18
5
(B)
18
1
(C)
5
2
(D)
5
Sol. (C) Let E1 = Event that the sum of numbers on the dice was less than 6
And E2 = Event that the sum of numbers on the dice is 3
∴ E1 = {(1, 4), (4,1), (2,3), (3, 2), (2, 2), (1,3), (3,1), (1, 2), (2,1), (1,1)}
⇒ n( E1 ) = 10
And E2 = {(1, 2), (2,1)} ⇒ n( E2 ) = 2
2 1
∴ Required probability = =
10 5
83. Which one is not a requirement of a binomial distribution?
(A) There are 2 outcomes for each trial
(B) There is a fixed number of trials
(C) The outcomes must be dependent on each other
(D) The probability of success must be the same for all the trials
Sol. (C) We know that, in a Binomial distribution,
(i) There are 2 outcomes of each trail.
(ii) There is a fixed number of trails.
(iii) The probability of success must be the same for all the trails.
84. Two cards are drawn from a well shuffled deck of 52 playing cards with
replacement. The probability, that both cards are queens, is
1 1
(A) ×
13 13
1 1
(B) +
13 13
1 1
(C) ×
13 17
1 4
(D) ×
13 51
4 4 1 1
Sol. (A) Required probability = ⋅ = × [with replacement]
52 52 13 13
85. The probability of guessing correctly at least 8 out of 10 answers on a true-
false type examination is
7
(A)
64
7
(B)
128
45
(C)
1024
7
(D)
41
Sol. (B) We know that, P ( X = r ) = n C r ( p ) r ( q ) n −1
1 1
Here, n = 10, p = , q =
2 2
And r ≥ 8 i.e., r = 8,9,10
⇒ P( X = r ) = P(r = 8) + P(r = 9) = P(r = 10)
8 10 −8 9 10
1 1
10 1 1 1
= C8     + C9     + 10C10  
10

2 2 2 2 2

10 10 10
10!  1  10!  1  1
=   +   + 
8!2!  2  9!1!  2  2
10 10
1 1
=   ⋅ [45 + 10 + 1] =   ⋅ 56
2 2
1 7
= ⋅ 56 =
16 ⋅16 128
86. The probability that a person is not a swimmer is 0.3. The probability that out
of 5 persons 4 are swimmers is
(A) 5 C 4 (0.7) 4 (0.3)
(B) 5 C1 (0.7)(0.3) 4
(C) 5 C 4 (0.7)(0.3) 4
(D) (0.7)4 (0.3)
Sol. (A) Here, p = 0.3 ⇒ p = 0.7 and q = 0.3, n = 5 and r = 4
∴ Required probability = 5C 4 (0.7) 4 (0.3)
87. The probability distribution of a discrete random variable X is given below:

The value of k is
(A) 8
(B) 16
(C) 32
(D) 48
Sol. (C) We know that, ∑ P( X ) = 1
 5 7 9 11
⇒ + + + =1
k k k k
32
⇒ =1
k
∴ k = 32
88. For the following probability distribution:

E(X) is equal to:

(A) 0
(B) –1
(C) –2
(D) –1.8
Sol. (D) E ( X ) = ∑ XP( X )
= −4 × (0.1) + (−3 × 0.2) + (−2 × 0.3) + (−1× 0.2) + (0 × 0.2)
= −0.4 − 0.6 − 0.6 − 0.2 = −1.8
89. For the following probability distribution
X 1 2 3 4

P(X) 1 1 3 2
10 5 10 5
E ( X 2 ) is equal to
(A) 3
(B) 5
(C) 7
(D) 10
1 1 3 2
Sol. (D) E ( X 2 ) = ∑ X 2 P( X ) = 1⋅ + 4 ⋅ + 9 ⋅ + 16 ⋅
10 5 10 5
1 4 27 32
= + + +
10 5 10 5
1 + 8 + 27 + 64
= = 10
10
90. Suppose a random variable X follows the binomial distribution with
parameters n and p, where 0 < p < 1 . If P ( x = r ) / P ( x = n – r ) is independent of n
and r, then p equals
 1
(A)
2
1
(B)
3
1
(C)
5
1
(D)
7
n!
Sol. (A) ∵ P ( X = r ) nC r ( p ) r ( q ) n − r = ( p ) r (1 − p ) n − r [∵ q = 1 − p ] ...(i )
( n − r )! r !
n
P ( X = 0 ) = (1 – p )
And P ( X = n − r ) = n C n − r ( p ) n − r ( q ) n − ( n − r )
n!
= ( p ) n − r (1 − p ) + r [∵ q = 1 − p ][∵ n Cr = n Cn − r ] ...(ii )
( n − r )! r !
n!
p r (1 − p ) n − r
P( x = r ) ( n − r )! r !
Now, = [using Eqs. (i) and (iii)]
P( x = n − r ) n!
p n − r (1 − p ) + r
( n − r )! r !
n−r
 1− p  1
=  × r
 p   1− p 
 p 
 
1− p 1 1
Above expression is independent of n and r, if =1⇒ = 2 ⇒ p =
p p 2
91. In a college, 30% students fail in physics, 25% fail in mathematics and 10%
fail in both. One student is chosen at random. The probability that she fails in
physics if she has failed in mathematics is
1
(A)
10
2
(B)
5
9
(C)
20
1
(D)
3
30 3 25 1
Sol. (B) Here, P( Ph ) = = , P( M ) = =
100 10 100 4
 10 1
And P( M ∩ Ph ) ==
100 10
 Ph  P ( Ph ∩ M ) 1 / 10 2
∴ P = = =
M  P(M ) 1/ 4 5
1
92. A and B are two students. Their chances of solving a problem correctly are
3
1 1
and , respectively. If the probability of their making a common error is,
4 20
and they obtain the same answer, then the probability of their answer to be
correct is
1
(A)
12
1
(B)
40
13
(C)
120
10
(D)
13
Sol. (D) Let E1 = Event that both A and B solve in the problem
1 1 1
∴ P ( E1 ) = × = .
3 4 12
Let E2 = Event that both A and B got incorrect solution of the problem
2 3 1
∴ P( E2 ) = × =
3 4 2
Let E = Event that they got same answer
1
Here, P ( E / E1 ) = 1, P( E / E2 ) =
20
P ( E1 ∩ E ) P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E / E1 )
∴ P ( E1 / E ) = =
P( E ) P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E / E2 )
1
×1
12 1/ 2 120 10
= = = =
1 1 1 10 + 3 12 × 3 13
×1 + ×
12 2 20 120
93. A box has 100 pens of which 10 are defective. What is the probability that out
of a sample of 5 pens drawn one by one with replacement at most one is
defective?
5
 9 
(A)  
 10 
 4
1 9 
(B)  
2  10 
5
1 9 
(C)  
2  10 
5 4
 9  1 9 
(D)   +  
 10  2  10 
10 1 9
Sol. (D) Here, n = 5, p = = and q =
100 10 10
r ≤1
⇒ r = 0,1
Also, P ( X = r ) = n C r p r q n − r
∴ P ( X = r ) = P (r = 0) + P (r = 1)
0 5 1 4
1 9 1 9
= C0     + 5C1  
5
 
 10   10   10   10 
5 4
9 1  9
=  + 5⋅ ⋅ 
 10  10  10 
5 4
 9  1 9 
=  +  
 10  2  10 
State True or False for the statements in each of the Exercises 94 to 103.
94. Let P(A) > 0 and P(B) > 0. Then A and B can be both mutually exclusive and
independent.
Sol. False
95. If A and B are independent events, then A’ and B’ are also independent.
Sol. True
96. If A and B are mutually exclusive events, then they will be independent also.
Sol. False
97. Two independent events are always mutually exclusive.
Sol. False
98. If A and B are two independent events then P ( A and B ) = P ( A ) .P ( B ) .
Sol. True
99. Another name for the mean of a probability distribution is expected value.
Sol. True
E ( X ) = ∑ XP ( X ) = µ
100. If A and B′ are independent events, then P ( A '∪ B ) = 1 – P ( A ) P ( B ' )
Sol. True
 P( A '∪ B) = 1 − P( A ∩ B ') = 1 − P( A) P ( B ')

101. If A and B are independent, then

P (exactly one of A, B occurs) = P ( A ) P ( B ' ) + P ( B ) P ( A ' )
Sol. Ture
102. If A and B are two events such that P ( A ) > 0 and P ( A ) + P ( B ) > 1, then
P(B')
P(B/A) ≥ 1-
P(A)
Sol. False
P( A ∩ B)
∴ P ( B / A) =
P ( A)
P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∪ B ) 1 − P ( A ∪ B )
= >
P ( B) P ( A)
103. If A, B and C are three independent events such that P(A) = P(B) = P(C) = p,
then
P (At least two of A, B, C occur) = 3 p 2 − 2 p 3
Sol. True
P (at least two of A, B and C occur)
= p × p × (1 − p) + (1 − p) ⋅ p ⋅ p + p (1 − p ) ⋅ p + p ⋅ p ⋅ p
= p 2 [1 − p + 1 − p + 1 − p + p]
= p 2 (3 − 3 p) + p 3
= 3 p 2 − 3 p3 + p3 = 3 p2 − 2 p3
Fill in the blanks in each of the following questions:
104. If A and B are two events such that
1 5
P(A/B) = p, P(A) = p, P(B) = And P(A ∪ B)= , then p = ______________
3 9
1 5
Sol. Here, P(A) = p, P(B) = and P(A ∪ B)=
3 9
P( A ∩ B) p
∵ P( A / B) = = p ⇒ P( A ∩ B) =
P(B) 3
And P( A ∪ B ) = P ( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)
 5 1 p 5 1 2p
⇒ = p+ − ⇒ − =
9 3 3 9 3 3
5−3 2p 2 3 1
⇒ = ⇒ p= × =
9 3 9 2 3
105. If A and B are such that
2 5
P(A' ∪ B')= and P(A ∪ B)= , then P(A’) + P(B’) = ………….
3 9
2 5
Sol. Here, P( A '∪ B ') = and P( A ∪ B) =
3 9
P ( A '∪ B ') = 1 − P( A ∩ B)
2
⇒ = 1 − P ( A ∩ B)
3
2 1
⇒ P ( A ∩ B) = 1 − =
3 3

∵ P ( A ') + P ( B ') = 1 − P ( A) + 1 − P ( B )
= 2 − [ P ( A) + P ( B )]
= 2 − [ P ( A ∪ B ) + P ( A ∩ B )]
5 1 5+3
= 2− +  = 2− 
 9 3  9 
18 − 8 10
= =
9 9
106. If X follows binomial distribution with parameters n = 5, p and
P ( X = 2 ) = 9, P ( X = 3 ) , then p = ___________
Sol. ∵ P ( X = 2) = 9 ⋅ P ( X = 3) (where, n=5 and q=1–p)
⇒ 5C 2 p 2 (1 − p ) 3 = 9 ⋅ 5C3 P 3 (1 − p ) 2
5! 2 5! 3
⇒ p (1 − p )3 = 9 ⋅ p (1 − p ) 2
2!3! 3!2!
 p 2 (1 − p )3
⇒
p 3 (1 − p ) 2 = 9
(1 − p )
⇒ = 9 ⇒ 9p + p =1
p
1
∴p=
10
107. Let X be a random variable taking values x1 , x2 ,...., xn with probabilities
p1 , p2 ,...., pn , respectively. Then var ( X ) = __________.
2
Sol. Var ( X ) = ( X 2 ) –  E ( X ) 
2
n
 n 
= ∑ X P( X ) −  ∑ XP( X ) 
2

i =1  i =1 
= ∑ Px i i − ( ∑ Px
2
i i)
2

108. Let A and B be two events. If P(A}B) = P(A), then A is __________ of B.

P( A ∩ B)
Sol. ∵ P ( A / B ) =
P( B )
P( A ∩ B)
⇒ P ( A) =
P( B)
⇒ P ( A) ⋅ P ( B ) = P ( A ∩ B )
So, A is independent of B.
 Probability
Short Answer Type Questions

1. For a loaded die, the probabilities of outcomes are given as under:

P (1) = P ( 2 ) = 0.2, P ( 3 ) = P ( 5 ) = P ( 6 ) = 0.1 and P ( 4 ) = 0.3 .
The die is thrown two times. Let A and B be the events, ‘same number each
time’, and ‘a total score is 10 or more’, respectively. Determine whether or not
A and B are independent.
Sol. For a loaded die, it is given that
P (1) = P ( 2 ) = 0.2,
P ( 3) = P ( 5 ) = P ( 6 ) = 0.1 and P ( 4 ) = 0.3
Also, die is thrown two times
Here, A = Same number each time and B = Total score is 10 or more
∴ A = {(1,1) , ( 2, 2 ) , ( 3, 3 ) , ( 4, 4 ) , ( 5, 5 ) , ( 6, 6 )}
So, P ( A ) =  P (1,1) + P ( 2, 2 ) + P ( 3, 3 ) + P ( 4, 4 ) + P ( 5, 5 ) + P ( 6, 6 ) 
=  P (1) .P (1) + P ( 2 ) .P ( 2 ) + P ( 3 ) .P ( 3 ) + P ( 4 ) .P ( 4 ) + P ( 5 ) .P ( 5 ) + P ( 6 ) .P ( 6 ) 
= [0.2 × 0.2 + 0.2 × 0.2 + 0.1× 0.1 + 0.3 × 0.3 + 0.1× 0.1 + 0.1× 0.1]
= 0.04 + 0.04 + 0.01 + 0.09 + 0.01 + 0.01 = 0.20
And B = {( 4, 6 ) , ( 6, 4 ) , ( 5, 5 ) , ( 5, 6 ) , ( 6,5 ) , ( 6, 6 )}
P ( B ) = P ( 4, 6 ) + P ( 6, 4 ) + P ( 5,5 ) , P ( 5, 6 ) , ( 6,5 ) , ( 6, 6 )}
= P ( 4 ) .P ( 6 ) + P ( 6 ) .P ( 4 ) + P ( 5 ) .P ( 5 ) + P ( 5 ) .P ( 6 ) + P ( 6 ) .P ( 5 ) + P ( 6 ) .P ( 6 )
= 0.3 × 0.1 + 0.1 × 0.3 + 0.1× 0.1 + 0.1× 0.1 + 0.1× 0.1 + 0.1× 0.1
= 0.03 + 0.03 + 0.01 + 0.01 + 0.01 + 0.01 = 0.10
Also, A ∩ B = {(5,5), (6,6)}
∴ P ( A ∩ B) = P(5,5) + P(6, 6) = P(5).P(5) + P(6).P (6)
= 0.1× 0.1 + 0.1× 0.1 = 0.01 + 0.01 = 0.02
We know that, for two events A and B, if P( A ∩ B) = P( A).P( B) , then both are
independent events.
Here, P ( A ∩ B ) = 0.02 and P( A).P( B) = 0.20 × 0.10 = 0.02
Thus, P( A ∩ B) = P( A).P( B) = 0.02
Hence, A and B are independents events.
2. Refer to Exercise 1 above. If the die were fair, determine whether or not the
events A and B are independent.
Sol. Referring to the above solution, we have
A = {(1,1) , ( 2, 2 ) , ( 3, 3 ) , ( 4, 4 ) , ( 5, 5 ) , ( 6, 6 )}
 ⇒ n( A) = 6 and n( S ) = 62 = 36 [Where, S is sample space]
n ( A) 6 1
∴ P ( A) = = =
n( B ) 36 6
And B = {( 4, 6 ) , ( 6, 4 ) , ( 5, 5 ) , ( 6, 5 ) , ( 5, 6 ) , ( 6, 6 )}
⇒ n( B) = 6 and n( S ) = 62 = 36
n( B ) 6 1
∴ P( B) = = =
n( S ) 36 6
Also, A ∩ B = {(5,5), (6,6)}
⇒ n( A ∩ B) = 2 and n ( S ) = 36
2 1
∴ ( A ∩ B) = =
36 18
1
Also, P ( A).P ( B) =
36
 1 1
Thus, P( A ∩ B) ≠ P( A).P( B ) ∵ ≠ 
 18 36 
So, we can say that both A and B are not independent events.
3. The probability that at least one of the two events A and B occurs is 0.6. If A
and B occur simultaneously with probability 0.3, evaluate P(A)+P(B) .
Sol. We know that, A ∪ B denotes the occurrence of at least one of A and B and A ∩ B
denotes the occurrence of both A and B, simultaneously.
Thus, P ( A ∪ B) = 0.6 and P ( A ∩ B) = 0.3
Also, P( A ∪ B ) = P ( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)
⇒ 0.6 = P( A) + P( B) − 0.3
⇒ P( A) + P( B) = 0.9
⇒ 1 − P( A)  + 1 − P( B )  = 0.9 [∵ P( A) = 1 − P( A) and P( B) = 1 − P( B )]
⇒ P( A) + P( B ) = 2 − 0.9 = 1.1
4. A bag contains 5 red marbles and 3 black marbles. Three marbles are drawn
one by one without replacement. What is the probability that at least one of
the three marbles drawn be black, if the first marble is red?
Sol. Let R = {5 Red marbles} and B = (3 black marbles}
For at least one of the three marbles drawn be black, if the first marble is red, then
the following three conditions will be followed.
(i) Second ball is black and third is red ( E1 ) .
(ii) Second ball is black and third is also black ( E2 ) .
(iii) Second ball is red and third is black ( E3 ) .
 5 3 4 60 5
∴ P ( E1 ) = P ( R1 ).P ( B1 / R1 ).P ( R2 / R1 B1 ) = ⋅ ⋅ = =
8 7 6 336 28
5 3 2 30 5
P ( E2 ) = P ( R1 ).P ( B1 / R1 ).P ( B2 / R1 B1 ) = ⋅ ⋅ = =
8 7 6 336 56
5 4 3 60 5
And P( E3 ) = P( R1 ).P( R2 / R1 ).P( B1 / R1 R2 ) = ⋅ ⋅ = =
8 7 6 336 28
5 5 5
∴ P ( E ) = P ( E1 ) + P ( E2 ) + P ( E3 ) = + +
28 56 28
10 + 5 + 10 25
= =
56 56
5. Two dice are thrown together and the total score is noted. The events
E , F and G are ‘a total of 4’, ‘a total of 9 or more’, and ‘a total divisible by 5’,
respectively. Calculate P ( E ) , P ( F ) and P ( G ) and decide which pairs of
events, if any, are independent.
Sol. Two dice are thrown together i.e., sample space ( S ) = 36 ⇒ n( S ) = 36
E = A total of 4 = {( 2, 2 ) , ( 3,1) , (1, 3 )}
⇒ n( E ) = 3
F = A total of 9 or more
= {( 3, 6 ) , ( 6,3) , ( 4,5 ) , ( 4, 6 ) , ( 5, 4 ) , ( 6, 4 ) , ( 5,5 ) , ( 5, 6 ) , ( 6,5 ) , ( 6, 6 )}
⇒ n( F ) = 10
G = a total divisible by 5 = {(1, 4 ) , ( 4,1) , ( 2, 3 ) , ( 3, 2 ) , ( 4, 6 ) , ( 6, 4 ) , ( 5, 5 )}
⇒ n(G ) = 7
Here, ( E ∩ F ) = φ and ( E ∩ G ) = φ
Also, ( F ∩ G ) = {(4, 6), (6, 4), (5,5)}
⇒ n( F ∩ G ) = 3 and ( E ∩ F ∩ G ) = φ
n( F ) 3 1
∴ P( E ) = = =
n( S ) 36 12
n( F ) 10 5
P( F ) = = =
n( S ) 36 18
n(G ) 7
P (G ) = =
n( S ) 36
3 1
P( F ∩ G) = =
36 12
5 7 35
And P ( F ).P (G ) = ⋅ =
18 36 648
Here, we see that P( F ∩ G ) ≠ P( F ).P(G )
 [since, only F and G have common events, so only F and G are used here]. Hence,
there is no pair which is independent.
6. Explain why the experiment of tossing a coin three times is said to have
binomial distribution.
Sol. We know that, a random variable X taking values 0,1, 2,…., n is said to have a
binomial distribution with parameters n and P, if its probability distribution is given
by
P ( X = r ) = nCr p r q n − r
Where q = 1 – p
And r = 0,1, 2,…., n
Similarly, in an experiment of tossing a coin three times, we have n = 3 and random
1 1
variable X can take values r = 0, 1, 2 and 3 with p = and q = .
2 2

So, we see that in the experiment of tossing coin three times, we have random
1
variable X which can take values 0, 1, 2 and 3 with parameters n = 3 and p = .
2
Therefore, it is said to have a Binomial distribution.
1 1 1
7. If A and B are two events such that P(A) = , P(B) = and P(A ∩ B)= . Find:
2 3 4
(i) P(A|B)
(ii) P(B|A)
(iii) P(A'|B)
(iv) P(A'|B')
1 1 1
Sol. Here, P( A) = , P( B) = and P( A ∩ B) =
2 3 4
P( A ∩ B) 1 / 4 3
(i) P ( A / B ) = = =
P( B) 1/ 3 4
P( A ∩ B) 1 / 4 1
(ii) P ( B / A) = = =
P ( A) 1/ 2 2
3 1
(iii) P( A '/ B) = 1 − P( A / B) = 1 − =
4 4
1 1 1
−
P( A '∩ B) P( B) − P( A ∩ B) 3 4 12 1
Or P( A '/ B) = = = = =
P( B) P( B) 1 1 4
3 3
 P ( A '∩ B ') 1 − P ( A ∪ B ) 1 − [ P ( A) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )]
(iv) P ( A '/ B ') = = =
P ( B ') 1 − P( B) 1 − P( B)
1 1 1 5 1
1−  + −  1−  − 
= 
2 3 4
= 
6 4
1 2
1−
3 3
1 − 14 / 24 10 / 24 30 5
= = = =
2/3 2/3 48 8
21 1
8. Three events A, B and C have probabilities and respectively. Given that
5' 3 2'
1 1
P(A ∩ B)= and P(B ∩ C)= find the value of P ( C | B ) and P(A' ∩ C') .
5 4'
2 1 1 1 1
Sol. Here, P( A) = , P ( B) = , P(C ) = .P( A ∩ C ) = and P( B ∩ C ) =
5 3 2 5 4
P( B ∩ C ) 1 / 4 3
∴ P (C / B ) = = =
P( B) 1/ 3 4
And P( A '∩ C ') = 1 − P( A ∪ C ) = 1 − [ P( A) + P(C ) − P( A ∩ C )]
2 1 1 4 + 5− 2 7 3
= 1−  + −  = 1−   = 1− =
5 2 5  10  10 10
9. Let E1 and E2 be two independent events such that P ( E1 ) = p1 and P ( E2 ) = P2 .
Describe in words of the events whose probabilities are:
(i) PP
1 2

(ii) (1 – p1 ) p2
(iii) 1 – (1 – p1 )(1 – p2 )
(iv) p1 + p2 – 2 p1 p2
Sol. P ( E1 ) = p1 and P ( E2 ) = P2

1 2 ⇒ P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E2 ) = P ( E1 '∩ E2 )
(i) PP
So, E1 and E2 occurs.
(ii) (1 − P1 ) P2 = P( E1 ) '.P( E2 ) = P( E1 '∩ E2 )
So, E1 does not occur but E2 occurs.
(iii) 1 − (1 − P1 )(1 − P2 ) = 1 − P( E1 ) ' P( E2 ) ' = 1 − P( E1 '∩ E2 ')
= 1 − [1 − P( E1 ∪ E2 )] = P( E1 ∪ E2 )
So, either E1 or E2 or both E1 and E2 occurs.
(iv) P1 + P2 − 2 PP
1 2 = P ( E1 ) + P ( E2 ) − 2 P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E2 )
 = P( E1 ) + P( E2 ) − 2 P( E1 ∩ E2 )
= P( E1 ∪ E2 ) − P( E1 ∩ E2 )
So, either E1 or E2 occurs but not both.
10. A discrete random variable X has the probability distribution given as below:

(i) Find the value of k

(ii) Determine the mean of the distribution.
Sol. We have,

n
(i) We know that, ∑ P = 1 , where P ≥ 0
i =1
i i

⇒ P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 = 1
⇒ k + k 2 + 2k 2 + k = 1
⇒ 3k 2 + 2k − 1 = 0
⇒ 3k 2 + 3k − k − 1 = 0
⇒ 3k ( k + 1) − 1( k + 1) = 0
⇒ (3k − 1)( k + 1) = 0
⇒ k = 1/ 3 ⇒ k = −1
Since, k is ≥ 0 ⇒ k=1/3
n
(ii) Mean of the distribution ( µ ) = E ( X ) = ∑ xi pi
i =1i

= 0.5(k ) + 1(k 2 ) + 1.5(2k 2 ) + 2k = 4k 2 + 2.5k

1 1  1
= 4 ⋅ + 2.5 ⋅
9 3 ∵ k = 3 
4 + 7.5 23
= =
9 18
11. Prove that
(i) P ( A) = P ( A ∩ B ) + P(A ∩ B)
(ii) P ( A ∪ B ) = P ( A ∩ B ) + P ( A ∩ B ) + P ( A ∩ B )
Sol. (i) ∵ P ( A) = P ( A ∩ B ) + P ( A ∩ B )
 ∴ RHS = P( A ∩ B) + P( A ∩ B)
= P( A) ⋅ P( B) + P( A) ⋅ P( B )
= P( A)[ P( B) + P( B)]
= P( A)[ P( B) + 1 − P( B)] [∵ P( B) = 1 − P( B)]
= P ( A ) = LHS Hence proved .
(ii) ∵ P( A ∪ B) = P( A ∩ B) + P( A ∩ B) + P( A ∩ B)
∴ RHS = P( A) ⋅ P( B) + P( A) ⋅ P( B ) + P( A) ⋅ P ( B)
= P( A) ⋅ P ( B) + P( A) ⋅ [1 − P( B)] + [1 − P ( A)]P ( B)
= P( A) ⋅ P ( B) + P( A) − P( A) ⋅ P( B ) + P( B) − P( A) ⋅ P ( B)
= P( A) + P( B) − P( A) ⋅ P( B)
= P( A) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)
= P( A ∪ B) = LHS Hence proved .
12. If X is the number of tails in three tosses of a coin, determine the standard
deviation of X.
Sol. Given that, random variable X is the number of tails in three tosses of a coin.
So, X = 0,1, 2,3
⇒ P ( X − x ) = nC x ( p ) x q n − x ,
Where n = 3, p = ½, q = ½ and x = 0,1, 2,3

2
We know that, Var ( X ) = E ( X 2 ) –  E ( X ) 
n n
Where, E ( X 2 ) = ∑ xi2 P ( xi ) and E ( X ) = ∑ xi P ( xi )
i =1 i =1
n
3 3 9 24
∴ E ( X 2 ) = ∑ xi2 P ( X i ) = 0 + + + = =3
i =1 8 2 8 8
2 2 2
 n 2   3 3 3  12  9
 ∑ xi P( xi )  = 0 + 8 + 4 + 8  =  8  = 4
2
And [ E ( X )] =
 i =1     
 9 3
∴ Var ( X ) = 3 − = [using Eq. (i)]
4 4
3 3
And standard deviation of X = Var ( X ) = =
4 2
13. In a dice game, a player pays a stake of Re1 for each throw of a die. She
receives Rs 5 if the die shows a 3, Rs 2 if the die shows a 1 or 6, and nothing
otherwise. What is the player’s expected profit per throw over a long series of
throws?
Sol. Let X is the random variable of profit or throw.

Since, she loss Rs 1 on getting any of 2, 4 or 5.

1 1 1 3 1
So, at X = −1, P( X ) = + + = =
6 6 6 6 2
1 1 1
Similarly, at X = 1, P( X ) = + = [if Die shows of either 1 or 6]
6 6 3
1
And at X = 4, P ( X ) = [if die shows a 3]
6
∴ Player’s expected profit = E ( X ) = ∑ XP( X )
1 1 1
= −1× + 1× + 4 ×
2 3 6
−3 + 2 + 4 3 1
= = = = Rs 0.50
6 6 2
14. Three dice are thrown at the same time. Find the probability of getting three
two’s, if it is known that the sum of the numbers on the dice was six.
Sol. On a throw of three dice, we have sample space  n ( S )  = 63 = 216
Let E1 is the event when the sum of numbers on the dice was six and E2 is the event
when three two’s occurs.
⇒ E1 = {(1,1, 4 ) , (1, 2,3) , (1,3, 2 ) , (1, 4,1) , ( 2,1,3) , ( 2, 2, 2 ) , ( 2,3,1) , ( 3,1, 2 ) , ( 3, 2,1) , ( 4,1,1)}
⇒ n ( E1 ) = 100 and E2 = {2, 2, 2}
⇒ n ( E2 ) = 1
Also, ( E1 ∩ E2 ) = 1
P ⋅ ( E1 ∩ E2 ) 1 / 216 1
∴ P ( E2 / E1 ) = = =
P ( E1 ) 10 / 216 10
15. Suppose 10,000 tickets are sold in a lottery each for Re 1. First prize is of Rs
3000 and the second prize is of Rs. 2000. There are three third prizes of Rs.
500 each. If you buy one ticket, what is your expectation.
Sol. Let x is the random variable for the prize.

Since, E ( X ) = ∑ X P( X )
9995 1500 2000 3000
∴ E( X ) = 0 × + + +
10000 10000 10000 10000
1500 + 2000 + 3000
=
10000
6500 13
= = = Rs 0.65
10000 20
16. A bag contains 4 white and 5 black balls. Another bag contains 9 white and 7
black balls. A ball is transferred from the first bag to the second and then a
ball is drawn at random from the second bag. Find the probability that the ball
drawn is white.
Sol. Here, W1 = {4 white balls} and B1 = {5 black balls}
And W2 = {9 white balls} and B2 = {7 black balls}
Let E1 is the event that ball transferred from the first bag is white and E2 is the event
that the ball transferred from the first bag is black.
Also, E is the event that the ball drawn from the second bag is white.
10 9
∴ P( E / E1 ) = , P( E / E2 ) =
17 17
4 5
And P ( E1 ) = and P( E2 ) =
9 9
∴ P ( E ) = P ( E1 ) ⋅ P( E / E1 ) + P( E2 ) ⋅ P( E / E2 )
4 10 5 9
= ⋅ + ⋅
9 17 9 17
40 + 45 85 5
= = =
153 153 9
17. Bag I contains 3 black and 2 white balls, Bag II contains 2 black and 4 white
balls. A bag and a ball is selected at random. Determine the probability of
selecting a black ball.
Sol. Bag I = {3B, 2W}, Bag II = {2B, $W}
Let E1 = Event that bag I is selected
 E2 = Event that bag II is selected
And E = Event that a black ball is selected
1 3 2 1
⇒ P ( E1 ) = 1/ 2, P ( E2 ) = , P ( E / E1 ) = , P ( E / E2 ) = =
2 5 6 3
∴ P ( E ) = P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E / E2 )
1 3 1 2 3 2
= ⋅ + ⋅ = +
2 5 2 6 10 12
18 + 10 28 7
= = =
60 60 15
18. A box has 5 blue and 4 red balls. One ball is drawn at random and not
replaced. Its colour is also not noted. Then another ball is drawn at random.
What is the probability of second ball being blue?
Sol. A box = {5 blue, 4 red}
Let E1 is the event that first ball drawn is blue, E2 is the event that first ball drawn is
red and E is the event that second ball drawn is blue.
∴ P ( E ) = P ( E1 ) ⋅ P( E / E1 ) + P( E2 ) ⋅ P( E / E2 )
5 4 4 5 20 20 40 5
= ⋅ + ⋅ = + = =
9 8 9 8 72 72 72 9
19. Four cards are successively drawn without replacement from a deck of 52
playing cards. What is the probability that all the four cards are kings?
Sol. Let E1, E2, E3 and E4 are the events that the first, second, third and fourth card is
king, respectively.
∴ P ( E1 ∩ E2 ∩ E3 ∩ E4 ) = P( E1 ) ⋅ P( E2 / E1 ) ⋅ P( E3 / E1 ∩ E2 ) ⋅ P[ E4 / ( E1 ∩ E2 ∩ E3 ∩ E4 ]
4 3 2 1 24
= ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ =
52 51 50 49 52 ⋅ 51⋅ 50 ⋅ 49
1 1
= =
13 ⋅17 ⋅ 25 ⋅ 49 270725
20. A die is thrown 5 times. Find the probability that an odd number will come up
exactly three times.
1 1 1 1 1 1
Sol. Here, n = 5, p =  + +  = and q = 1 − p = 1 − =
6 6 6 2 2 2
Also, r = 3
3 5 −3
n r n−r 5 1 1
∴ P ( X = r ) = Cr ( p ) ( q ) = C3    
2 2
5! 1 1 10 5
= ⋅ ⋅ = =
3!2! 8 4 32 16
21. Ten coins are tossed. What is the probability of getting at least 8 heads?
Sol. In this case, we have to find out the probability of getting at least 8 heads. Let X is
the random variable for getting a head.
 Here, n = 10, r ≥ 8,
1 1
i.e., r = 8,9,10, p = , q =
2 2
we know that, P ( X = r ) = n C r p r q n − r
∴ P( X = r ) = P(r = 8) + P(r = 9) + P(r = 10)
8 10 −8 9 10 −9 10 10 −10
10 1 1 10 1 1 10 1 1
= C8     + C9     + C10    
2 2 2 2 2 2
10 10 10
10!  1  10!  1  10!  1 
=   +   +  
8!2!  2  9!1!  2  0!10!  2 
10
 1  10 × 9 
=   + 10 + 1
2  2 
10
1 1 7
=   ⋅ 56 = 7 3 ⋅ 56 =
2 2 ⋅2 128
22. The probability of a man hitting a target is 0.25. He shoots 7 times. What is the
probability of his hitting at least twice?
1 1 3
Sol. Here, n = 7 p = 0.25 = , q = 1 − = r ≥ 2,
4 4 4
n r n− r
Where, P ( X ) = C r ( p ) ( q )
In this case for easy approach we shall first find out the probability of his hitting at
most once (i.e., r = 0, 1) and then subtract this probability from 1 to get the desired
probability.
∴ P( X = r ) = 1 − [ P (r = 0) + P(r = 1)]
 7  1 0  3 7 −0 7  1 1  3 7 −1 
= 1 −  C0     + C1     
 4 4  4   4  
 7!  3 7 7!  1  3 6 
= 1−    +    
 0!7!  4  1!6!  4  4  
 3  6  3 1 
= 1 −    ⋅ 1 + ⋅ 7  
 4   4 4  
 36  10    36 × 10   27 ⋅ 27 ⋅10 
= 1 −  6   = 1 −  7  = 1 − 
 4  4   4   64 ⋅ 256 
 7290  3645 4547
= 1−   = 1− =
16384  8192 8192
23. A lot of 100 watches is known to have 10 defective watches. If 8 watches are
selected (one by one with replacement) at random, what is the probability
that there will be at least one defective watch?
 10 1
Sol. Probability of defective watch from a lot of 100 watches = =
100 10
9
∴ p = 1/10, q = , n = 8 and r ≥ 1
10
0 8−0
1 9 8
∴ P(r ≥ 1) = 1 − P (r = 0) = 1 − C0    
 10   10 
8 8
8!  9  9
= 1− ⋅  = 1−  
0!8!  10   10 
24. Consider the probability distribution of a random variable X:

X
Calculate (i) V  
2
(ii) Variance of X.
Sol. We have,

2
Var ( X ) = E ( X 2 ) –  E ( X ) 
n
Where, E ( X ) = µ = ∑ xi Pi ( xi )
i =1
n
And E ( X 2 ) = ∑ xi2 P ( xi )
i =1

∴ E ( X ) = 0 + 0.25 + 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.60 = 2.05

E ( X 2 ) = 0 + 0.25 + 1.2 + 1.8 + 2.40 = 5.65
X 1 1
(i) V   = V ( X ) = [5.65 − (2.05) 2 ]
 2 4 4
1 1
[5.65 − 4.2025] = × 1.4475 = 0.361875
4 4
(ii) V(X) = 1.44475
25. The probability distribution of a random variable X is given below:
 (i) Determine the value of k.
(ii) Determine P ( X ≤ 2 ) and P ( X > 2 )
(iii) Find P ( X ≤ 2 ) + P ( X > 2 ) .
Sol. We have,

n
(i) since, ∑ P = 1, i = 1, 2,...., n and
i =1
i
pi ≥ 0

k k k
∴k + + + =1
2 4 8
⇒ 8k + 4k + 2k + k = 8
8
∴k =
15
k k
(ii) P( X ≤ 2) = P(0) + P(1) + P(2) = k + +
2 4
(4k + 2k + k ) 7k 7 8 14
= = = ⋅ =
4 4 4 15 15
k 1 8 1
And P( X > 2) = P(3) = = ⋅ =
8 8 15 15
14 1
(iii) P ( X ≤ 2) + P( X > 2) = + = 1
15 15
26. For the following probability distribution determine standard deviation of the
random variable X.

Sol. We have,
 We know that, standard deviation of X = Var X
2
Where, Var X = E ( X 2 ) –  E ( X ) 
2
n
 n 
= ∑ x P( x1 ) − ∑ xi Pi 
2
i
i =1  i =1 
2
∴ Var X = [ 0.8 + 4.5 + 4.8] – [ 0.4 + 1.5 + 1.2]
= 10.1 – (3.1)2 = 10.1 – 9.61 = 0.49
∴ Standard deviation of X = Var X = 0.49 = 0.7
1
27. A biased die is such that P(4)= and other scores being equally likely. The
10
die is tossed twice. If X is the ‘number of four seen’, find the variance of the
random variable X.
Sol. Since, X = number of four seen
On tossing two die, X = 0, 1, 2.
1 9
Also, P(4) = and P( not 4) =
10 10
9 9 81
So, P ( X = 0) = P( not 4) ⋅ P( not 4) = ⋅ =
10 10 100
9 1 1 9 18
P ( X = 1) = P( not 4) ⋅ P(4) + P(4) ⋅ P( not 4) = ⋅ + ⋅ =
10 10 10 10 100
1 1 1
P ( X = 2) = P(4) ⋅ P(4) = ⋅ =
10 10 100
Thus, we get following table
 ∴ Var ( X ) = E ( X 2 ) − [ E ( X )]2 = ∑ X 2 P ( X ) − [∑ XP ( X )]2
2
 18 4   18 2 
= 0 + + − 0 + +
 100 100   100 100 

2
22  20  11 1
= −  = −
100  100  50 25
11 − 2 9 18
= = = = 0.18
50 50 100
28. A die is thrown three times. Let X be ‘the number of twos seen’. Find the
expectation of X.
Sol. We have, X = number of twos seen
So, on throwing a die three times, we will have X = 0, 1, 2, 3.
5 5 5 125
∴ P ( X = 0) = P( not 2) ⋅ P( not 2) ⋅ P( not 2) = ⋅ ⋅ =
6 6 6 216
P ( X = 1) = P( not 2) ⋅ P( not 2) ⋅ P(2) + P( not 2) ⋅ P(2) ⋅ P( not 2) + P(2) ⋅ P( not 2) ⋅ P( not 2)
5 5 1 5 1 5 1 5 5 25 3 25
= ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ = ⋅ =
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 36 6 72
P( X = 2) = P( not 2) ⋅ P(2) ⋅ P(2) + P(2) ⋅ P(2) .P( not 2) + P(2) ⋅ P( not 2) ⋅ P(2)
5 1 1 1 1 5 1 5 1
= ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
1 15  15
= ⋅  =
36  6  216
1 1 1 1
P( X = 3) = P(2) ⋅ P(2) ⋅ P(2) = ⋅ ⋅ =
6 6 6 216
125 25 1
We know that, E ( X ) = ∑ X P( X ) = 0 ⋅ + 1⋅ + 3⋅
216 216 216
75 + 30 + 3 108 1
= = =
216 216 2
1
29. Two biased dice are thrown together. For the first die P(6)= , the other scores
2
2
being equally likely while for the second die, P(1)= and the other scores are
5
equally likely. Find the probability distribution of ‘the number of ones seen’.
1 1
Sol. For first die, P (6) = and P(6') =
2 2
 1
⇒ P(1) + P (2) + P (3) + P (4) + P(5) =
2
1 9
⇒ P (1) = and P (1') = [∵ P(1) = P(2) = P (3) = P(4) = P (5)]
10 10
2 2 3
For second die, P(1) = and P (1') = 1 − =
5 5 5
Let X = Number of one’s seen
9 3 27
For X = 0, P( X = 0) = P(1') ⋅ P(1') = ⋅ = = 0.54
10 5 50
9 2 1 3
P( X = 1) = P(1') ⋅ P(1') + P(1') ⋅ P(1') = ⋅ + ⋅
10 5 10 5
18 3 21
= + = = 0.42
50 50 50
1 2 2
P( X = 2) = P(1) ⋅ P(1) = ⋅ = = 0.04
10 5 50
Hence, the required probability distribution is as below.

30. Two probability distributions of the discrete random variable X and Y are
given below.

Prove that E (Y 2 ) = 2 E ( X ) .
Sol.
 Since, we have to prove that, E (Y 2 ) = 2 E ( X )
∴ E ( X ) = ∑ X P( X )
1 2 1 1 7
= 0 ⋅ + 1⋅ + 2 ⋅ + 3 ⋅ =
5 5 5 5 5
14
⇒ 2E( X ) = ...(i )
5
E (Y ) 2 = ∑ Y 2 P (Y )
1 3 2 1
= 0 ⋅ + 1⋅ + 4 ⋅ + 9 ⋅
5 10 5 10
3 8 9 28 14
= + + = =
10 5 10 10 5
14
⇒ E (Y ) 2 = ...(ii )
5
From Eqs. (i) and (ii),
2
E (Y ) = 2 E ( X ) Hence proved .
1
31. A factory produces bulbs. The probability that any one bulb is defective is
50
and they are packed in boxes of 10. From a single box, find the probability that
(i) none of the bulbs is defective
(ii) exactly two bulbs are defective
(iii) more than 8 bulbs work properly
Sol. Let X is the random variable which denotes that a bulb is defective.
1 49
Also, n = 10, p = and q = and P ( X = r ) = n C r p r q n − r
50 50
(i) None of the bulbs are defective i.e., r = 0
0 10 − 0 10
 1   49   49 
∴ P ( X = r ) = P(0) = 10C0     = 
 50   50   50 
(ii) Exactly two bulbs are defective i.e., r = 2
2 8
 1   49 
10
∴ P( X = r ) = P(2) = C2    
 50   50 
2 8 10
10!  1   49   1 
=   ⋅   = 45 ×   × (49)8
8!2!  50   50   50 
 (iii) More than 8 bulbs work properly i.e., there is less than 2 bulbs which are
defective.
So, r < 2 ⇒ r = 0,1
∴ P( X = r ) = P(r < 2) = P(0) + P(1)
0 10 − 0 1 10 −1
10  1   49  10  1   49 
= C0     + C1    
 50   50   50   50 
10 9
 49  10! 1  49 
=  + ⋅ ⋅ 
 50  1!9! 50  50 
10 9 9
 49  1  49   49   49 1 
=   + ⋅  =    + 
 50  5  50   50   50 5 
9 9
 49   59  59(49)
=   = 10
 50   50  (50)
32. Suppose you have two coins which appear identical in your pocket. You know
that one is fair and one is 2-headed. If you take one out, toss it and get a head,
what is the probability that it was a fair coin?
Sol. Let E1 = Event that 5 fair coin is drawn
E2 = Event that 2 headed coin in drawn
E = Event that tossed coin get a head
∴ P( E1 ) = 1/ 2, P( E2 ) = 1/ 2, P( E / E1 ) = 1/ 2 and P ( E / E2 ) = 1
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E / E1 )
Now using Baye’s theorem P ( E1 / E ) =
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E / E2 )
1 1 1 1
⋅
= 2 2 = 4 = 4 =1
1 1 1 1 1 3 3
⋅ + ⋅1 +
2 2 2 4 2 4
33. Suppose that 6% of the people with blood group O are left handed and 10% of
those with other blood groups are left handed 30% of the people have blood
group O. If a left handed person is selected at random, what is the probability
that he/she will have blood group O?
Sol.

E1 = Event that the person selected is of blood group O

E2 = Event that the person selected is of other than blood group O
 (E3) = Event that selected person is left handed
∴ P ( E1 ) = 0.30, P ( E2 ) = 0.70
P ( E3 / E1 ) = 0.06 and P ( E3 / E2 ) = 0.10
By using Baye’s theorem,
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E3 / E1 )
P ( E1 / E3 ) =
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E3 / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E3 / E2 )
0.30 × 0.06
=
0.30 ⋅ 0.06 + 0.70 ⋅ 0.10
0.0180
=
0.0180 + 0.0700
0.0180 180 9
= = =
0.0880 880 44
34. Two natural numbers r, s are drawn one at a time, without replacement from
the set S = {1, 2, 3,...., n} . Find P[r ≤ p|s ≤ p] , where p ∈ S .
Sol. ∵ Set S = {1, 2, 3,...., n}
P( p ∩ S )
∴ P (r ≤ p / s ≤ p ) =
P( S )
p −1 n p −1
= × =
n n −1 n −1
35. Find the probability distribution of the maximum of the two scores obtained
when a die is thrown twice. Determine also the mean of the distribution.
Sol. Let X is the random variable score obtained when a die is thrown twice.
∴ X = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Here, S = {(1,1) , (1, 2 ) , ( 2,1) , ( 2, 2 ) , (1, 3 ) , ( 2, 3 ) , ( 3,1) , ( 3, 2 ) , ( 3, 3 ) , …., ( 6, 6 )}
1 1 1
∴ P ( X = 1) = ⋅ =
6 6 36
1 1 1 1 1 1 3
P( X = 2) = ⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅ =
6 6 6 6 6 6 36
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5
P( X = 3) = ⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅ =
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 36
Similarly,
7
P ( X = 4) =
36
9
P ( X = 5) =
36
11
P ( X = 6) =
36
 So, the required distribution is,

Also, we know that, Mean {E ( X )} = ∑ X P( X )

1 6 15 28 45 66 161
= + + + + + =
36 36 36 36 36 36 36
36. The random variable X can take only the values of 0, 1, 2. Give that
P ( X = 0 ) = P ( X = 1) = p and that E ( X 2 ) = E [ X ] , find the value of p.
Sol. Since, X = 0, 1, 2 and P(X) at X = 0 and 1 is p, let at X = 2, P(X) is x.
⇒ p + p + x =1
⇒ x = 1– 2 p
We get, the following distribution.

∴ E ( X ) = ∑ X P( X )
= 0 ⋅ p + 1 ⋅ p + 2(1 − 2 p )
= p + 2 − 4p = 2 −3p
And E ( X 2 ) = ∑ X 2 P( X )
= 0 ⋅ p + 1 ⋅ p + 4 ⋅ (1 − 2 p )
= p + 4 −8p = 4 − 7 p
Also, given that E ( X 2 ) = E [ X ]
⇒ 4 – 7 p = 2 – 3p
1
⇒ 4p = 2 ⇒ p =
2
37. Find the variance of the distribution:

Sol. We have,
 ∴ Variance = E ( X 2 ) − [ E ( X )]2 = ∑ X 2 P( X ) − [∑ X P( X )]2
2
 5 8 3 16 25   5 4 1 4 5
= 0 + + + + +  − 0 + + + + + 
 18 9 2 9 18   18 9 2 9 18 
2
 5 + 16 + 27 + 32 + 25   5 + 8 + 9 + 8 + 5 
=  −  
 18 18
105 35 ⋅ 35 18 ⋅105 − 35 ⋅ 35
= − =
18 18 ⋅18 18 ⋅18
35 19 ⋅ 35 665
= [54 − 35] = =
18 ⋅18 324 324
38. A and B throw a pair of dice alternately. A wins the game if he gets a total of 6
and B wins if she gets a total of 7. It A starts the game, find the probability of
winning the game by A in third throw of the pair of dice.
Sol. Let A1 = A total of 6 = {(2, 4), (1, 5), (5, 1), (4, 2), (3, 3)}
And B1 = A total of 7 = {(2, 5), (1, 6), (6, 1), (5, 2), (3, 4), (4, 3)}
5
Let P(A) is the probability, if A wins in a throw ⇒ P( A) =
36
1
And P(B) is the probability, if B wins in a throw ⇒ P( B) =
36
31 5 5 775 775
∴ Required probability = P( A) ⋅ P( B) ⋅ P( A) = ⋅ ⋅ = =
36 6 36 216 ⋅ 36 7776
39. Two dice are tossed. Find whether the following two events A and B are
independent:
A = {( x, y ) : x + y = 11} and B = {( x, y ) : x ≠ 5} , Where ( x , y ) denotes a typical
sample point.
Sol. We have, A = {( x, y ) : x + y = 11} and B = {( x, y ) : x ≠ 5} ,
∴ A = {(5, 6), (6, 5)}, B = {(1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (1, 5), (1, 6), (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3),
(2, 4), (2, 5), (2, 6), (3, 1), (3, 2), (3, 3), (3, 4), (3, 5), (3, 6), (4, 1), (4, 2), (4, 3), (4, 4),
(4, 5), (4, 6), (6, 1), (6, 2), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6)}
⇒ n(a ) = 2, n( B) = 30 and n( A ∩ B) = 1
 2 1 30 5
∴ P( A) = = and P( B) = =
36 18 36 6
5 1
⇒ P( A) ⋅ P( B) = and P( A ∩ B) = ≠ P( A) ⋅ P( B)
108 36
So, A and B are not independent.
40. An urn contains m white and n black balls. A ball is drawn at random and is
put back into the urn along with k additional balls of the same colour as that of
the ball drawn. A ball is again drawn at random. Show that the probability of
drawing a white ball now does not depend on k.
Sol. Let U = {m white, n black balls}
E1 = {First ball drawn of white colour}
E2 = {First ball drawn of black colour}
And E3 = {Second ball drawn of white colour}
m n
∴ P ( E1 ) = and P( E2 ) =
m+n m+n
m+k m+k
Also, P ( E3 / E1 ) = and P( E3 / E2 ) =
m+n+k m+n+k
∴ P ( E3 ) = P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E3 / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E3 / E2 )
m m+k n m
= ⋅ + ⋅
m+n m+n+k m+n m+n+k
m(m + k ) + nm m 2 + mk + nm
= =
(m + n + k )(m + n) (m + n + k )(m + n)
m( m + k + n ) m
= =
(m + n + k )(m + n) m + n
Hence, the probability of drawing a white ball does not depend on k.
 Probability
Long Answer Type Questions

41. Three bags contain a number of red and white balls as follows:
Bag 1 : 3 red balls, Bag 2 : 2 red balls and 1 white ball and Bag 3 : 3 white balls.
The probability that bag i will be chosen and a ball is selected from it is
i
, i = 1, 2,3 . What is the probability that
6
(i) a red ball will be selected?
(ii) a white ball is selected?
Sol. Bag I: 3 red balls and 0 white ball.
Bag II: 2 red balls and 1 white ball.
Bag III: 0 red ball and 3 white balls.
Let E1, E2 and E3 be the events that bag I, bag II and bag III is selected and a ball is
chosen from it.
1 2 3
P( E1 ) = , P( E2 ) = and P( E3 ) =
6 6 6
(i) Let E be the event that a red ball is selected. Then, Probability that red ball will be
selected.
P ( E ) = P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E / E2 ) + P ( E3 ) ⋅ P ( E / E3 )
1 3 2 2 3
= ⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅0
6 3 6 3 6
1 2
= + +0
6 9
3+ 4 7
= =
18 18
(ii) Let F be the event that a white ball is selected.
∴ P( F ) = P( E1 ) ⋅ P( F / E1 ) + P( E2 ) ⋅ P( F / E2 ) + P( E3 ) ⋅ P( F / E3 )
1 2 1 3 1 3 11
= ⋅ 0 + ⋅ + ⋅1 = + =
6 6 3 6 9 6 18
7 11
Note: P( F ) = 1 − P( E ) = 1 − = [since, we know that P ( E ) + P ( F ) = 1 ]
18 18
42. Refer to Question 41 above. If a white ball is selected, what is the probability
that it came from
(i) Bag 2?
(ii) Bag 3?
Sol. Referring to the previous solution, using Bay’s theorem, we have
P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( F / E2 )
(i) P ( E2 / F ) =
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( F / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( F / E2 ) + P ( E3 ) ⋅ P ( F / E3 )
 2 1 2
⋅
= 6 3 = 18
1 2 1 3 2 3
⋅ 0 + ⋅ + ⋅1 +
6 6 3 6 18 6
2 / 18 2
= =
2 + 9 11
18
P ( E3 ) ⋅ P ( F / E3 )
(ii) P ( E3 / F ) =
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( F / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( F / E2 ) + P ( E3 ) ⋅ P ( F / E3 )
3
⋅1
= 6
1 2 1 3
⋅ 0 + ⋅ + ⋅1
6 6 3 6
3
3/6 9
= 6 = =
2 3 2 9 11
+ +
18 6 18 18
43. A shopkeeper sells three types of flower seeds A1, A2, and A3. They are sold as a
mixture where the proportions are 4:4:2 respectively. The germination rates
of the three types of seeds are 45%, 60% and 35%. Calculate the probability
(i) of a randomly chosen seed to germinate
(ii) that it will not germinate given that the seed is of type A3,
(iii) that it is of the type A2 given that a randomly chosen seed does not
germinate.
Sol. We have, A1: A2: A3 = 4: 4: 2
4 4 2
P( A1 ) = , P( A2 ) = and P( A3 ) =
10 10 10
Where A1, A2 and A3 denote the three types of flower seeds.
Let E be the event that a seed germinates and E be the event that a seed does not
germinate.
45 60 35
∴ P( E / A1 ) = , P( E / A2 ) = and P( E / A3 ) =
100 100 100
55 40 65
And P( E / A1 ) = , P( E / A2 ) = and P( E / A3 ) =
100 100 100
(i) ∴ P( E ) = P( A1 ) ⋅ P( E / A1 ) + P( A2 ) ⋅ P( E / A2 ) + P( A3 ) ⋅ P( E / A3 )
4 45 4 60 2 35
= ⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅
10 100 10 100 10 100
180 240 70 490
= + + = = 0.49
1000 1000 1000 1000
 35 65
(ii) P ( E / A3 ) = 1 − P ( E / A3 ) = 1 − = [as given above]
100 100
P( A2 ) ⋅ P( E / A2 )
(iii) P( A2 / E ) =
P( A1 ) ⋅ P( E / A1 ) + P( A2 ) + P( E / A2 ) + P( A3 ) ⋅ P( E / A3 )
4 40 160
⋅
= 10 100 = 1000
4 55 4 40 2 65 220 160 130
⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅ + +
10 100 10 100 10 100 1000 1000 1000
160 /1000 16
= = = 0.313725 = 0.314
510 /1000 51
44. A letter is known to have come either from TATA NAGAR or from CALCUTTA.
On the envelope, just two consecutive letter TA are visible. What is the
probability that the letter came from TATA NAGAR.
Sol. Let E1 be the event that letter is from TATA NAGAR and E2 be the event that letter is
from CALCUTTA.
Also, let E3 be the event on the letter, two consecutive letters TA are visible.
1 1
∴ P( E1 ) = and P ( E2 ) =
2 2
2 1
And P( E3 / E1 ) = and P( E3 / E2 ) =
8 7
[Since, if letter is from TATA NAGAR, we see that the events of two consecutive
2
letters visible are {TA, AT, TA, AN, NA, AG, GA, AR}. So, P( E3 / E1 ) = and if letter is
8
from CALCUTTA, we see that the events of two consecutive letters to visible are {CA,
1
AL, LC, CU, UT, TT, TA}. So, P( E3 / E2 ) = ]
7
P( E1 ) ⋅ P( E3 / E1 )
∴ P( E1 / E3 ) =
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E3 / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P( E3 / E2 )
1 2 1 1
⋅
2 8 1/ 8 7
= = 8 = = 8 =
1 2 1 1 1 1 22 11 11
⋅ + ⋅ +
2 8 2 7 8 14 8 ×14 56
45. There are two bags, one of which contains 3 black and 4 white balls while the
other contains 4 black and 3 white balls. A die is thrown. If it shows up 1 or 3, a
ball is taken from the 1st bag; but it shows up any other number, a ball is
chosen from the second bag. Find the probability of choosing a black ball.
Sol. Since, Bag I = {3 black, 4 white balls}, Bag II = {4 black, 3 white balls}
Let E1 be the event that bag I is selected and E2 be the event that bag II is selected.
Let E3 be the event that black ball is chosen.
 1 1 1 1 2
∴ P( E1 ) = + = and P( E2 ) = 1 − =
6 6 3 3 3
3 4
And P( E3 / E1 ) = and P( E3 / E2 ) =
7 7
∴ P( E3 ) = P( E1 ) ⋅ P( E3 / E1 ) + P( E2 ) ⋅ P( E3 / E2 )
1 3 2 4 11
= ⋅ + ⋅ =
3 7 3 7 21
46. There are three urns containing 2 white and 3 black balls, 3 white and 2 black
balls, and 4 white and 1 black balls, respectively. There is an equal probability
of each urn being chosen. A ball is drawn at random from the chosen urn and it
is found to be white. Find the probability that the ball drawn was from the
second urn.
Sol. Let U1 = {2 white, 3 black balls}
U2 = {3 white, 2 black balls}
And U3 = {4 white, 1 black balls}
1
∴ P(U1 ) = P(U 2 ) = P(U 3 ) =
3
Let E1 be the event that a ball is chosen from urn U1, E2 be the event that a ball is
chosen from urn U1 and E3 be the event that a ball is chosen from urn U3.
Also, P(E1) = P(E2) = P(E3) = 1/3
Now, let E be the event that white ball is drawn.
2 3 4
∴ P ( E / E1 ) = , P( E / E2 ) = , P( E / E3 ) =
5 5 5
P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E / E2 )
Now, P ( E2 / E ) =
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P ( E / E1 ) + P ( E2 ) ⋅ P ( E / E2 ) + P ( E3 ) ⋅ P ( E / E3 )
1 3
⋅
= 3 5
1 2 1 3 1 4
⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅
3 5 3 5 3 5
3
15 3 1
= = =
2 3 4 9 3
+ +
15 15 15
47. By examining the chest X ray, the probability that TB is detected when a
person is actually suffering is 0.99. The probability of an healthy person
diagnosed to have TB is 0.001. In a certain city, 1 in 1000 people suffers from
TB. A person is selected at random and is diagnosed to have TB. What is the
probability that he actually has TB?
Sol. Let E1 = Event that person that TB
E2 = Event that person does not have TB
 E = Event that the person is diagnosed to have TB
1 999
∴ P( E1 ) = = 0.001, P( E2 ) = = 0.999
1000 1000
And P( E / E1 ) = 0.99 and P( E / E2 ) = 0.001
P( E1 ) ⋅ P( E / E1 )
∴ P( E1 / E ) =
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P( E / E1 ) + P( E2 ) ⋅ P( E / E2 )
0.001× 0.99
=
0.001× 0.99 + 0.999 × 0.001
0.000990
=
0.000990 + 0.000999
990 110
= =
1989 221
48. An item is manufactured by three machines A, B and C. Out of the total number
of items manufactured during a specified period, 50% are manufactured on A,
30% on B and 20% on C. 2% of the items produced on A and 2% of items
produced on B are defective, and 3% of these produced on C are defective. All
the items are stored at one godown. One item is drawn at random and is found
to be defective. What is the probability that it was manufactured on machine
A?
Sol. Let E1 = Event that item is manufactured on A.
E2 = Event that an item is manufactured on B.
E3 = Event that an item is manufactured on C.
Let E be the event that an item is defective.
50 1 30 3 20 1
∴ P( E1 ) = = , P ( E2 ) = = and P( E3 ) = =
100 2 100 10 100 5
E 2 1  E 2 1 E 3
P  = = , P  = = and P   =
 E1  100 50  E2  100 50  E3  100
E
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P  
E   E1 
∴ P 1  =
E E  E   E
P ( E1 ) ⋅ P   + P( E2 ) ⋅ P   + P ( E3 ) ⋅ P  
 E1   E2   E3 
1 1
⋅
= 2 50
1 1 3 1 1 3
⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅
2 50 10 50 5 100
 1 1
100 5
= = 100 =
1 3 3 5 + 3 + 3 11
+ +
100 500 500 500
49. Let X be a discrete random variable whose probability distribution is defined
as follows:
k ( x + 1) for x = 1, 2, 3, 4

P ( X = x) = 2kx for x = 5, 6, 7
0 otherwise

where k is a constant. Calculate
(i) the value of k
(ii) E (X)
(iii) Standard deviation of X.
k ( x + 1) for x = 1, 2, 3, 4

Sol. P ( X = x) = 2kx for x = 5, 6, 7
0 otherwise

Thus, we have following table

(i) Since, ∑ Pi = 1
1
⇒ K (2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 10 + 12 + 14) = 1 ⇒ k =
50
(ii) ∵ E ( X ) = ∑ XP ( X )
∴ E ( X ) = 2k + 6k + 12k + 20k + 50k + 72k + 98k + 0 = 260k
1 26  1
= 260 × =
50 5
= 5.2 ∵ k = 50  ...(i )
(iii) We know that,
Var ( X ) = [ E ( X 2 )] − [ E ( X )]2 = ∑ X 2 P( X ) − [∑{ XP( X )}]2
= [2k + 12k + 36k + 80k + 250k + 432k + 686k + 0] − [5.2]2 [using Eq. (i)]
 1  1
= [1498k ] − 27.04 = 1498 ×  − 27.04  k =
50 
∵
 50 
= 29.96 − 27.04 = 2.92
We know that, standard deviation of X = Var ( X ) = 2.92 = 1.7088 = 1.7(approx)
50. The probability distribution of a discrete random variable X is given as under:

Calculate:
(i) The value of A if E(X) = 2.94
(ii) Variance of X.
1 2 12 2 A 3 A 5 A
Sol. (i) We have, ∑ XP( X ) = + + + + +
2 5 25 10 25 25
25 + 20 + 24 + 10 A + 6 A + 10 A 69 + 26 A
= =
50 50
Since, E ( X ) = ∑ XP( X )
69 + 26 A
⇒ 2.94 =
50
⇒ 26 A = 50 × 2.94 − 69
147 − 69 78
⇒ A= = =3
26 26
(ii) We know that,
2 2
Var ( X ) = E ( X ) –  E ( X ) 
= ∑ X 2 P ( X ) − [∑ XP ( X )]2
1 4 48 4 A2 9 A2 25 A2
= + + + + + − [ E ( X )]2
2 5 25 10 25 25
25 + 40 + 96 + 20 A + 18 A + 50 A2
2 2
= − [ E ( X )]2
50
161 + 88 A2 161 + 88 × (3)2
= − [ E ( X )]2 = − [ E ( X )]2 [∵ A = 3]
50 50
953
= − [2.94]2 [∵ E ( X ) = 2.94]
50
= 19.0600 − 8.6436 = 10.4164
51. The probability distribution of a random variable x is given as under:
kx 2 for x = 1, 2, 3

P(X=x)= 2kx for x = 4,5, 6
0 otherwise

Where k is a constant. Calculate
(i) E ( X )
 (ii) E ( 3 X 2 )
(iii) P ( X ≥ 4)
Sol.

We know that, ∑ Pi = 1
1
⇒ 44k = 1 ⇒ k =
44
∴ ∑ XP ( X ) = k + 8k + 27 k + 32k + 50k + 72k + 0
1 95
= 190k = 190 × =
44 22
95
(i) So, E ( X ) = ∑ XP( X ) = = 4.32
22
(ii) Also, E ( X 2 ) = ∑ X 2 P( X ) = k + 16k + 81k + 128k + 250k + 432k
1  1
= 908k = 908 × ∵ k = 44 
44
= 20.636 = 20.64(approx)
∴ E (3 X 2 ) = 3E ( X 2 ) = 3 × 20.64 = 61.92 = 61.9
(iii) P( X ≥ 4) = P( X = 4) + P( X = 5) + P( X = 6)
1 15
= 8k + 10k + 12k = 30k = 30 ⋅ =
44 22
52. A bag contains (2n + 1) coins. It is known that n of these coins have a head on
both sides where as the rest of the coins are fair. A coin is picked up at random
from the bag and is tossed. If the probability that the toss results in a head is
31
, determine the value of n.
42
Sol. Given, n coin have head on both sides and (n+1) coins are fair coins.
Let E1 = Event that an unfair coin is selected.
E2 = Event that a fair coin is selected.
E = Event that the toss results in a head.
n n +1
∴ P( E1 ) = and P( E2 ) =
2n + 1 2n + 1
E  E 1
Also, P   = 1 and P   =
 E1   E2  2
 E  E n n +1 1
∴ P( E ) = P( E1 ) ⋅ P   + P( E2 ) ⋅ P   = ⋅1 + ⋅
 E1   E2  2n + 1 2n + 1 2
31 2n + n + 1 31 3n + 1
⇒ = ⇒ =
42 2(2n + 1) 42 4n + 2
⇒ 124n + 62 = 126n + 42
⇒ 2n = 20 ⇒ n = 10
53. Two cards are drawn successively without replacement from a well shuffled
deck of cards. Find the mean and standard variation of the random variable X
where X is the number of aces.
Sol. Let X denotes a random variable of number of aces.
∴ X = 0, 1, 2
48 47 2256
Now, P ( X = 0) = ⋅ =
52 51 2652
48 4 4 48 384
P ( X = 1) = ⋅ + ⋅ =
52 51 52 51 2652
4 3 12
P ( X = 2) = ⋅ =
52 51 2652

We know that, Mean ( µ ) = E ( X ) = ∑ XP( X )

384 24
= 0+ +
2652 2652
408 2
= =
2652 13
Also, Var ( X ) = E ( X 2 ) − [ E ( X )]2 = ∑ X 2 P( X ) − [ E ( X )]2
2
 384 48   2   2
= 0 + +  −   ∵ E ( X ) = 
 2652 2652   13   13 
432 4
= − = 0.1628 − 0.0236 = 0.1391
2652 169
∴ Standard deviation = Var ( X ) = 0.139 = 0.373 (approx)
54. A die is tossed twice. A ‘success’ is getting an even number on a toss. Find the
variance of the number of successes.
Sol. Let X be the random variable for a ‘success’ for getting an even number on a toss.
3 1 1
∴ X = 0,1, 2, n = 2, p = = and q =
6 2 2
2 2 −0
1 1 1
At X = 0, P ( X = 0) = 2C0     =
2 2 4
1 2 −1
21 1 1 1 1
At X = 1, P ( X = 1) = C1     = 2⋅ ⋅ =
2 2 2 2 4
2 2−2
1 1 1
At X = 2, P ( X = 2) = 2C2     =
2 2 4
Thus,

1 1
∴ ∑ XP( X ) = 0 + + = 1 ...(i )
2 2
1 3
And ∑ X 2 P( X ) = 0 + + 1 = ...(ii )
2 2
2 2
∵ Var ( X ) = E ( X ) − [ E ( X )]
3 1
= ∑ X 2 P( X ) − [∑ XP( X )]2 = − (1) 2 = [using Eqs. (i) and (ii)]
2 2
55. There are 5 cards numbered 1 to 5, one number on one card. Two cards are
drawn at random without replacement. Let X denote the sum of the numbers
on two cards drawn. Find the mean and variance of X.
Sol. Here, S = {(1, 2), (2, 1), (1, 3), (3, 1), (2, 3), (3, 2), (1, 4), (4, 1), (1, 5), (5, 1), (2, 4), (4,
2), (2, 5), (5, 2), (3, 4), (4, 3), (3, 5), (5, 3), (5, 4), (4, 5)}
⇒ n ( S ) = 20
Let random variable be X which denotes the sum of the numbers on two cards
drawn.
∴ X = 3, 4,5,6, 7,8,9
 2 1
At X = 3, P( X ) = =
20 10
2 1
At X = 4, P( X ) = =
20 10
4 1
At X = 5, P ( X ) = =
20 5
4 1
At X = 6, P ( X ) = =
20 5
4 1
At X = 7, P( X ) = =
20 5
2 1
At X = 8, P( X ) = =
20 5
2 1
At X = 9, P( X ) = =
20 10
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
∴ Mean, E ( X ) = ∑ X P ( X ) = + + + + + +
10 10 5 5 5 10 10
3 + 4 + 10 + 12 + 14 + 8 + 9
= =6
10
9 16 25 36 49 64 81
Also, ∑ X 2 P( X ) = + + + + + +
10 10 5 5 5 10 10
9 + 16 + 50 + 72 + 98 + 64 + 81
= = 39
10
∴ Var ( X ) = ∑ X 2 P( X ) − [∑ XP( X )]2
= 39 − (6)2 = 39 − 36 = 3