How Do You Solve These Probability and Combination Problems?

In summary, the conversation discusses three problems involving combinations and permutations. The first problem asks how many committees can be formed excluding student A, if student B is included. The second problem asks for the number of committees that contain a particular boy X but excludes a particular girl Y. The third problem involves drawing counters with replacement and finding the probability of drawing two black counters and two white counters in any order. The solution for the first and second problems involves using combinations, while the solution for the third problem involves using the formula for probabilities without replacement. It is important to pay attention to the exact wording of the problem to ensure the correct solution is used.
  • #1
Sarina3003
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Homework Statement


1/ A committee of 6 is selected from 10 people, of whom A and B are two. How many committees can be form excluding A if B is included ?
2/ A committee of 5 is to be chosen from 6 boys and 4 girls. How many committees can be form containing a particular boy X but excludes a particular girl Y?
3/ In a box there are 4 black counters and 5 white counters. 4 counters are withdrawn one at a time. (the first counter being replaced before the second counter is drawn). Find the probability that two black counters and two white counters are drawn, in any order.

2. Homework Equations :
Premutation and Combination


The Attempt at a Solution


1/ I do this two way.
1st: 8C5 (no B but A) + 8C5 (no A but B) + 8C6 (no B no A) = 140
2st: 10C6 - 8C4 (A and B included) = 140
I have no question for this one. However, the question comes when i do n.o 2

2/ I do the same thing because it looks very similar to the question n.o 1. I made 10C5 - 8C3. However the answer is 8C4 :|. And of course the answers are not the same number form the calculator. Please check for me :(

3/ I do (4C2 x 5C2) / 9C4. And i know the answer is not correct as the book :(

Please help me :( The exam is coming !
 
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  • #2
Sarina3003 said:

Homework Statement


1/ A committee of 6 is selected from 10 people, of whom A and B are two. How many committees can be form excluding A if B is included ?
2/ A committee of 5 is to be chosen from 6 boys and 4 girls. How many committees can be form containing a particular boy X but excludes a particular girl Y?
3/ In a box there are 4 black counters and 5 white counters. 4 counters are withdrawn one at a time. (the first counter being replaced before the second counter is drawn). Find the probability that two black counters and two white counters are drawn, in any order.

2. Homework Equations :
Premutation and Combination


The Attempt at a Solution


1/ I do this two way.
1st: 8C5 (no B but A) + 8C5 (no A but B) + 8C6 (no B no A) = 140
2st: 10C6 - 8C4 (A and B included) = 140
I have no question for this one. However, the question comes when i do n.o 2

2/ I do the same thing because it looks very similar to the question n.o 1. I made 10C5 - 8C3. However the answer is 8C4 :|. And of course the answers are not the same number form the calculator. Please check for me :(

3/ I do (4C2 x 5C2) / 9C4. And i know the answer is not correct as the book :(

Please help me :( The exam is coming !

In (1), why are you counting (A but no B)+(B but no A)+(no A and no B)? The question was about (B but no A). Same issue for (2). For (3), why are you using the formula for probabilities without replacement, when the problem stated very clearly that drawing was with replacement?
 
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  • #3
1/ that is how the answer of the book gives and i understand it in thay way
3/ "replacement" part is which i do not know how to deal with
 
  • #4
Sarina3003 said:
1/ that is how the answer of the book gives and i understand it in thay way
3/ "replacement" part is which i do not know how to deal with

If you copied out problem #1 correctly from the book, then the book's answer is wrong. However, if the actual problem given in the book is different from the one you wrote here, then the book's answer may be correct. The book's answer for #2 is correct, and the way you wrote #1, it is the same as #2 but with slightly different numbers.
 
  • #5
#1 It is actually from the book but when i realize thay i can do like the 2nd way it's the same answer. It's not wrong when no A but B + B but no A +... because i have asked the teacher. And that question is exactly what is said in the book. And then when i see 2#, i see it almost the same but i cannot use the method of #1 to apply for 2#. Thats why I'm asking. May i miss out something? :(
 
  • #6
For number 2# its not from the book I've been dealing but in the past papers exam of the college!
 
  • #7
Sarina3003 said:
#1 It is actually from the book but when i realize thay i can do like the 2nd way it's the same answer. It's not wrong when no A but B + B but no A +... because i have asked the teacher. And that question is exactly what is said in the book. And then when i see 2#, i see it almost the same but i cannot use the method of #1 to apply for 2#. Thats why I'm asking. May i miss out something? :(

Your solution to #1 is NOT the solution to the problem you wrote, which says "How many committees can be form excluding A if B is included ?"---copied and pasted from your post. Your answer is for the related, but different problem: "How many committees can be form(ed) that includes at most one of the two students A or B?" Can't you see the difference? The second problem is for (A and not B)+(B and not A) + (not A and not B), but the question you wrote asks simply for (B and not A)---just that, and no more.
 
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FAQ: How Do You Solve These Probability and Combination Problems?

1. What is probability and why is it important for a final exam?

Probability is the likelihood or chance of an event occurring. It is important for a final exam because it allows us to make predictions and decisions based on the likelihood of certain outcomes.

2. How is probability calculated?

Probability is calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes. This can be represented as a fraction, decimal, or percentage.

3. What is the difference between theoretical and experimental probability?

Theoretical probability is based on the assumption that all outcomes are equally likely, while experimental probability is based on actual results from an experiment or real-life situation. Theoretical probability is often used for predicting outcomes, while experimental probability is used for analyzing past events.

4. How can we use probability to make decisions in real life?

Probability can be used to make informed decisions by considering the likelihood of different outcomes. For example, if you are deciding between two options, you can use probability to determine which one has a higher chance of success.

5. Can probability be used to predict the future?

No, probability cannot be used to predict the future with complete accuracy. It only represents the likelihood of an event occurring based on past data or assumptions. However, it can be a useful tool for making educated guesses or decisions.

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