A bag holds 3 red and 2 blue marbles. Two marbles are drawn without replacement. What is the probability that both are red?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. 3/10

  1. Step 1: The first draw is red with probability 3/5.
  2. Step 2: Then 2 red remain among 4, so the second is red with probability 2/4.
  3. Step 3: Multiply: 3/10.
Answer
3/10.
Why not the others: 9/25: the first marble was assumed to be replaced. 7/10: the probabilities were added instead of multiplied. 3/5: only the first draw was considered.

Practise more Problem solving.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Iraqi Third Intermediate Ministerial Exams mock tests.