Math Problem Statement
Two balls are drawn in succession out of a box containing 5 red and 6 white balls. Find the probability that the second ball was red, given that the first ball was:
(A) replaced before the second draw.
(B) not replaced before the second draw.
Solution
Let's break the problem into two parts: when the first ball is replaced and when it is not replaced before the second draw.
Part (A): When the First Ball is Replaced
Here, after drawing the first ball, we put it back into the box. The number of balls and their proportions remain the same for the second draw.
- Total number of balls:
- Probability that the second ball drawn is red, regardless of the first ball:
- Probability of drawing a red ball on any draw =
Since the replacement keeps the conditions for each draw identical, the probability that the second ball is red (given that the first ball was replaced) is simply:
Part (B): When the First Ball is Not Replaced
Here, the situation changes after drawing the first ball because we do not replace it, altering the total number of balls.
Two cases to consider:
-
The first ball drawn is red:
- Now, there are 4 red balls and 6 white balls left.
- Probability of drawing a red ball on the second draw:
-
The first ball drawn is white:
- Now, there are still 5 red balls and 5 white balls left.
- Probability of drawing a red ball on the second draw:
Now, we use the law of total probability to find the overall probability that the second ball is red. We need to account for both possible outcomes of the first draw (red or white).
- Probability of drawing a red ball first =
- Probability of drawing a white ball first =
Thus, the total probability that the second ball is red: Substituting values:
Thus, when the first ball is not replaced, the probability that the second ball is red is .
Final Answer:
- (A) With replacement:
- (B) Without replacement:
Would you like further details on any part of the solution?
Here are 5 related questions you might find useful:
- How would the probabilities change if there were an equal number of red and white balls in the box?
- What is the probability that both balls drawn are red (with and without replacement)?
- How does the probability change if three balls are drawn instead of two (with and without replacement)?
- What is the probability that at least one red ball is drawn (with and without replacement)?
- How would you calculate the probability if there were more than two colors of balls?
Tip: When dealing with "without replacement" scenarios, always account for the change in total number of balls after each draw.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Probability
Conditional Probability
Combinatorics
Formulas
P(A | B) = P(A and B) / P(B)
Law of Total Probability
Theorems
Law of Total Probability
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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