Calculating Probability of "Lucky" Bus Riders in a City

This is because each of the four numbers (U, V, W, X) has an equal chance of being any of the ten digits and they are chosen independently. In summary, the proportion of lucky bus riders is 1/10.
  • #1
chocolatefrog
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"Bus tickets in a certain city contain four numbers, U, V, W, X. Each of these four numbers is equally likely to be any of the ten digits 0, 1, 2,...,9 and the four numbers are chosen independently. A bus rider is said to be lucky if U + V = W + X. What proportion of the bus riders are lucky?"

I tried calculating the numerator, but there are just so many possibilities, what with repetition of digits! Needless to add, I couldn't get to the answer. :| I was wondering if there's a simple, more elegant way of doing this.

Thanks in advance!
Regards.
 
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  • #2
The proportion of lucky bus riders is 1/10, since for every 10 combinations, there will be one combination where U + V = W + X.
 

FAQ: Calculating Probability of "Lucky" Bus Riders in a City

1. What is the "lucky" bus rider phenomenon?

The "lucky" bus rider phenomenon refers to the belief that certain individuals have a higher chance of catching a bus than others, even without actively trying or waiting at the bus stop for a long time. This phenomenon is often attributed to luck or chance.

2. How is probability calculated for "lucky" bus riders?

The probability of being a "lucky" bus rider can be calculated by dividing the number of times a person catches a bus without actively trying by the total number of times they take the bus. This can be expressed as a percentage or a decimal.

3. What factors can affect the probability of being a "lucky" bus rider?

There are several factors that can affect the probability of being a "lucky" bus rider, such as the frequency of bus arrivals, the distance to the bus stop, the time of day, and the individual's location in relation to the bus route. Other factors, such as weather conditions or traffic, may also play a role.

4. Is there a way to increase the probability of being a "lucky" bus rider?

While the concept of being a "lucky" bus rider is often attributed to chance, there are some actions that can increase the probability. For example, being at the bus stop earlier or choosing a bus route with more frequent arrivals can increase the chances of catching a bus without actively trying.

5. How can calculating the probability of "lucky" bus riders be beneficial?

Calculating the probability of "lucky" bus riders can provide insights into the efficiency of the public transportation system and identify areas where improvements can be made. It can also help individuals plan their commutes more effectively and potentially save time and frustration.

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