Math Problem Statement

A manufacturing machine has a 6% defect rate.

If 8 items are chosen at random, what is the probability that at least one will have a defect? Give your answer as a fraction or decimal out to at least 4 places.

Solution

To find the probability that at least one of the 8 items chosen will have a defect, we can approach this problem using the complement rule. The complement rule states that the probability of an event happening is 11 - the probability of it not happening.

Step-by-step Solution:

  1. Defining the Problem: The probability of an item being defective is 6%, or 0.060.06. Therefore, the probability that an item is not defective is 10.06=0.941 - 0.06 = 0.94.

  2. Finding the Complement: The probability that none of the 8 items are defective (i.e., all 8 items are non-defective) is the product of the probability that each individual item is non-defective: P(none defective)=(0.94)8P(\text{none defective}) = (0.94)^8

  3. Calculation: Now, calculate 0.9480.94^8: 0.9480.62430.94^8 \approx 0.6243

  4. Finding the Desired Probability: The probability that at least one of the 8 items is defective is the complement of the probability that none are defective: P(at least one defective)=1P(none defective)=10.6243=0.3757P(\text{at least one defective}) = 1 - P(\text{none defective}) = 1 - 0.6243 = 0.3757

Thus, the probability that at least one of the 8 items is defective is approximately 0.37570.3757.

Final Answer:

P(at least one defective)0.3757P(\text{at least one defective}) \approx 0.3757

Would you like further details or have any other questions?


Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What is the probability that exactly two of the items are defective?
  2. How would the probability change if the defect rate increased to 10%?
  3. If the sample size increased to 12 items, what would be the probability of at least one defect?
  4. What is the probability that none of the 8 items are defective?
  5. How do probabilities change when choosing items with replacement versus without?

Tip: Understanding complements is a powerful tool in probability, especially when calculating "at least one" events!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Complement Rule

Formulas

P(at least one defective) = 1 - P(none defective)
P(none defective) = (0.94)^8

Theorems

Complement Rule in Probability

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12