Another simple propability question

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In summary, the conversation discusses the probability of $n$ people sitting in a random manner on a row of $2n$ seats without any two people sitting in adjacent seats. The solution provided by the individual is $\displaystyle P=\frac{2(n!)^2}{(2n)!}$, but the correct solution given in the book is $\displaystyle P=\frac{(n+1)(n!)^2}{(2n)!}$. The mistake in the solution is that the number of ways to seat $n$ people on $2n$ seats without any two sitting adjacent to each other is $(n+1)(n!)$, not $2(n!)$.
  • #1
alexmahone
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If $n$ people are seated in a random manner in a row containing $2n$ seats, what is the probability that no two people will occupy adjacent seats?

My solution:

There are $2n!$ favourable arrangements.

Total no. of arrangements:

The 1st person can sit on any of the $2n$ seats, the 2nd person can sit on any of the other $2n-1$ seats and so on. So, the number of ways to seat $n$ people on $2n$ seats is $\displaystyle 2n(2n-1)\cdots (n+1)=\frac{(2n)!}{n!}$.

$\displaystyle P=\frac{2(n!)^2}{(2n)!}$

But the answer given in the book is $\displaystyle P=\frac{(n+1)(n!)^2}{(2n)!}$. Where have I gone wrong?
 
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  • #2
Alexmahone said:
If $n$ people are seated in a random manner in a row containing $2n$ seats, what is the probability that no two people will occupy adjacent seats?

My solution:

There are $2n!$ favourable arrangements.

Total no. of arrangements:

The 1st person can sit on any of the $2n$ seats, the 2nd person can sit on any of the other $2n-1$ seats and so on. So, the number of ways to seat $n$ people on $2n$ seats is $\displaystyle 2n(2n-1)\cdots (n+1)=\frac{(2n)!}{n!}$.

$\displaystyle P=\frac{2(n!)^2}{(2n)!}$

But the answer given in the book is $\displaystyle P=\frac{(n+1)(n!)^2}{(2n)!}$. Where have I gone wrong?

The number of ways to place $n$ people on $2n$ seats such that no two sit adjacent to each other is not $2(n!)$. Its equal to $(n+1)(n!)$.
Take $n=2$ and list out the possible ways to seat 2 people on 4 seats. You will realize your mistake.
 

FAQ: Another simple propability question

What is probability?

Probability is a measure of the likelihood that an event will occur. It is typically expressed as a number between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty.

How is probability calculated?

The basic formula for calculating probability is number of desired outcomes / total number of possible outcomes. This can be modified depending on the type of probability being calculated (e.g. conditional probability, joint probability).

What is the difference between theoretical and experimental probability?

Theoretical probability is based on mathematical calculations and assumes that all outcomes are equally likely. Experimental probability is based on actual data from experiments or observations and may differ from theoretical probability.

What is the difference between independent and dependent events?

Independent events are those where the outcome of one event does not affect the outcome of another event. Dependent events are those where the outcome of one event does affect the outcome of another event.

How can probability be used in real life?

Probability can be used in a variety of fields, including finance, engineering, and medicine. It can help predict outcomes and make informed decisions based on data.

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