Math Problem Statement

solve

A group of students sat a maths test and an English test. The frequency tree below shows some information about whether the students passed or failed each test. A student is chosen at random from the group. What is the probability that they failed at least one test? Give your answer as a fraction in its simplest form.

Solution

To solve the probability question based on the frequency tree provided in the image, let's break it down systematically:

Question:

We are to calculate the probability that a randomly chosen student failed at least one test (either Maths or English).

Frequency Tree Breakdown:

  1. Total students who passed Maths:

    • Passed English: 12
    • Failed English: 14
    • Total: 12+14=2612 + 14 = 26
  2. Total students who failed Maths:

    • Passed English: 15
    • Failed English: 24
    • Total: 15+24=3915 + 24 = 39
  3. Total number of students:

    • 26+39=6526 + 39 = 65

What does "failed at least one test" mean?

  • A student fails at least one test if they:
    • Fail Maths, or
    • Fail English, or
    • Fail both.

The complement of this is passing both tests, so we can calculate this using:

P(failed at least one test)=1P(passed both tests)P(\text{failed at least one test}) = 1 - P(\text{passed both tests})

Probability of passing both tests:

From the frequency tree:

  • Students who passed both Maths and English: 1212
  • Total students: 6565

P(passed both tests)=1265P(\text{passed both tests}) = \frac{12}{65}

Probability of failing at least one test:

P(failed at least one test)=11265=65651265=5365P(\text{failed at least one test}) = 1 - \frac{12}{65} = \frac{65}{65} - \frac{12}{65} = \frac{53}{65}

Final Answer:

The probability that a randomly chosen student failed at least one test is:

5365\boxed{\frac{53}{65}}

Let me know if you'd like me to explain this in further detail or have any questions!

Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What is the probability of a student failing both tests?
  2. How many students failed only English?
  3. How many students passed exactly one test?
  4. What is the probability of a student passing only Maths?
  5. If another student is added to the group and passes both tests, how does the probability of failing at least one test change?

Tip: Always consider the complement rule when dealing with probabilities involving "at least" or "at most"!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Complement Rule
Fractions
Frequency Tree Analysis

Formulas

P(failed at least one test) = 1 - P(passed both tests)
Fraction Simplification

Theorems

Complement Rule of Probability

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10