Math Problem Statement

A pet store has 12 puppies, including 3 poodles, 5 terriers, and 4 retrievers. If Rebecka and Aaron, in that order, each select one puppy at random without replacement, find the probability that Aaron selects a retriever, given that Rebecka selects a poodle.

Solution

Let's analyze the problem shown in the image:

Problem: A pet store has 12 puppies, including 3 poodles, 5 terriers, and 4 retrievers. Rebecka and Aaron, in that order, each select one puppy at random without replacement. We are asked to find the probability that Aaron selects a retriever, given that Rebecka selects a poodle.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Total puppies:
    There are 12 puppies in total.

  2. Rebecka selects a poodle:
    There are 3 poodles, so the probability that Rebecka selects a poodle is: P(Rebecka picks a poodle)=312=14P(\text{Rebecka picks a poodle}) = \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4}

  3. Aaron selects a retriever after Rebecka picks a poodle: After Rebecka picks a poodle, there are 11 puppies left, with 4 retrievers remaining.

    The probability that Aaron selects a retriever from the remaining puppies is: P(Aaron picks a retriever)=411P(\text{Aaron picks a retriever}) = \frac{4}{11}

  4. Conditional Probability: The problem asks for the conditional probability that Aaron selects a retriever given that Rebecka has already selected a poodle. Since these events are independent once Rebecka picks a poodle, the conditional probability simplifies to: P(Aaron picks a retriever | Rebecka picks a poodle)=411P(\text{Aaron picks a retriever | Rebecka picks a poodle}) = \frac{4}{11}

Thus, the probability that Aaron selects a retriever, given that Rebecka selects a poodle, is 4/11.


Would you like more details on any part of the explanation?

Here are some follow-up questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What would the probability be if Rebecka selected a terrier instead of a poodle?
  2. How would the probability change if there were 5 poodles instead of 3?
  3. What is the probability that both Rebecka and Aaron select a retriever?
  4. What is the probability that neither Rebecka nor Aaron selects a poodle?
  5. If Aaron had to select from only terriers after Rebecka's selection, what would the probability be?

Tip: In probability problems, understanding "without replacement" is key. It means that after one selection, the total number of options changes, affecting subsequent probabilities.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Conditional Probability

Formulas

P(Rebecka picks a poodle) = 3/12 = 1/4
P(Aaron picks a retriever) = 4/11
P(Aaron picks a retriever | Rebecka picks a poodle) = 4/11

Theorems

Conditional Probability Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10