Let's solve this step by step.

We are working with a standard deck of 52 cards, and we need to calculate:

Part (a) The probability of drawing an ace or a queen.

1. In a standard deck, there are 4 aces (one for each suit: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) and 4 queens (one for each suit).
2. Therefore, the total number of favorable outcomes (aces or queens) is: $4 \text{ (aces)} + 4 \text{ (queens)} = 8 \text{ favorable outcomes}.$
3. The total number of possible outcomes in the experiment (drawing any card) is 52 (since there are 52 cards in the deck).

Thus, the probability $P$ of drawing an ace or a queen is: $P(\text{ace or queen}) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of outcomes}} = \frac{8}{52} = \frac{2}{13}.$

So, the probability is $\frac{2}{13}$.

Would you like details for part (b) or explanations on the concept of odds?

Related questions:

1. How do we calculate the odds in favor of drawing an ace or a queen?
2. What are the odds against drawing an ace or a queen?
3. How does the probability of a card being a face card (jack, queen, or king) compare to the probability of drawing an ace?
4. What is the probability of drawing either a heart or a spade from a standard deck of cards?
5. How do we calculate the probability of drawing two aces consecutively without replacement?

Tip:

In probability problems involving cards, always identify the total number of favorable outcomes and the total possible outcomes. Simplifying fractions helps make probabilities easier to compare and understand.