Multi-event probability puzzle - is my answer correct?

  • #1
musicgold
304
19
Homework Statement
Is there a more elegant / efficient way to solve this puzzle? See the attached puzzle.
Relevant Equations
At the end of all three 3 moves, the bags should contain:
Bag B: B, B, O, + G/V/Y
Bag A: remaining balls
Here is my attempt.
Beginning state:
Bag B : B, B, O
Bag A : R, R, G, V, Y

Final state:
Bag B: B, B, O, + G/V/Y
Bag A: remaining balls

First possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves one black ball to bag A ) = 2/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves the black ball to bag B ) = 1/5
P (exchange 1)= 3/5 x 2/4 x 1/5 = 3/50

Second possible move that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves one red ball to bag B) = 2/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the red ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B ) = 3/5
P(exchange 2) = 3/5 x 2/4 x 1/5 = 3/50

P ( exchange 1 OR exchange 2) = 3/50+ 3/50 = 3/25
2023-12-26 07 57 10.png
 
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  • #2
Are you sure those are the only possibilities?
 
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  • #3
PeroK said:
Are you sure those are the only possibilities?
Ah...

Third possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the orange ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves the orange ball to bag B ) = 1/5
P (exchange 3)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 1/5 = 3/100

Fourth possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the G/V/Y ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B ) = 3/5
P (exchange 4)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 3/5 = 9/100

P ( exchange 1 OR exchange 2 OR exchange 3 OR exchange 4 ) = 6/100+ 6/100+ 3/100 + 9/100 = 6/25 ?

Any better way of solving this without missing any possible exchanges in the first place?


Thanks
 
  • #4
The only idea I have is to note that we have six different colours, with two duplicates. If we have three different colours in a bag, then we must have a d pair of duplicates plus two others. The final configuration must have two B's in one bag and two R's in the other.

As only one ball is taken from bag B, then we must leave the two black balls alone.

Likewise, we either leave the two red balls alone, or move one back and forward.

And, if we leave the red balls alone, it doesn't matter which of the others we choose.
 
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  • #5
A black ball can move out of bag 2, then back in, if a "non red" ball was moved in first.
 
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  • #6
There is some symmetry here. You can waste a pair of moves at the start, RR, or a pair at the end, BB. There are three options for the third move.
The only other sequences consist of leaving the reds and blacks alone, 3x2x3.
 
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  • #7
musicgold said:
Ah...

Third possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either the green, violet, or yellow ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the orange ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves the orange ball to bag B ) = 1/5
P (exchange 3)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 1/5 = 3/100

Fourth possible exchange that would have exactly 3 different colors in each bag is:
Move 1: P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B) = 3/5
Move 2. P ( Becca moves the G/V/Y ball to bag A ) = 1/4
Move 3. P ( Arjun moves either G/V/Y ball to bag B ) = 3/5
P (exchange 4)= 3/5 x 1/4 x 3/5 = 9/100

P ( exchange 1 OR exchange 2 OR exchange 3 OR exchange 4 ) = 6/100+ 6/100+ 3/100 + 9/100 = 6/25 ?

Any better way of solving this without missing any possible exchanges in the first place?


Thanks
If you are still interested, I think you missed some cases in the third possible exchange.
 
  • #8
bob012345 said:
If you are still interested, I think you missed some cases in the third possible exchange.
Yes, I'm not sure whether @musicgold realised that post #6 leads to a higher number than 6/25.
 
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FAQ: Multi-event probability puzzle - is my answer correct?

What is a multi-event probability puzzle?

A multi-event probability puzzle involves calculating the likelihood of various outcomes when multiple events with probabilistic outcomes occur. These puzzles often require understanding the rules of probability, such as independent and dependent events, to determine the overall probability of a specific sequence of events happening.

How do I determine if my probability calculations are correct?

To determine if your probability calculations are correct, you should: 1) Clearly define each event and its probability.2) Determine whether the events are independent or dependent.3) Use appropriate probability rules (e.g., multiplication rule for independent events, addition rule for mutually exclusive events).4) Double-check your calculations and consider using a different method to verify your results.5) Compare your answer with known solutions or ask for peer review.

What is the multiplication rule in probability?

The multiplication rule in probability is used to find the probability of the intersection of two independent events. If events A and B are independent, the probability of both A and B occurring is P(A and B) = P(A) * P(B). For dependent events, you would need to adjust the probability of the second event based on the outcome of the first.

How do I handle dependent events in a probability puzzle?

For dependent events, the probability of one event affects the probability of the subsequent event. To handle dependent events, you must adjust the probability of the second event based on the outcome of the first event. This often involves using conditional probability, which is the probability of event B given that event A has occurred, denoted as P(B|A). The overall probability is then calculated using P(A and B) = P(A) * P(B|A).

Can I use simulations to check my probability puzzle answer?

Yes, simulations can be a powerful tool to check your probability puzzle answer. By running a large number of trials (e.g., using a computer program) and observing the frequency of the desired outcome, you can approximate the probability and compare it with your calculated answer. This method is particularly useful for complex puzzles where analytical solutions are difficult to derive.

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