What is the probability of drawing at least one blue ball in the two draws?

Prepare for the Progressive Pre-Employment Assessment Test with targeted practice questions. Sharpen your skills with detailed explanations and hints. Ace your assessment!

Multiple Choice

What is the probability of drawing at least one blue ball in the two draws?

Explanation:
The event is easiest to handle by using the complement: probability of no blue in both draws. If the urn has 2 blue and 5 non-blue balls (7 total), then the chance the first draw is not blue is 5/7, and given that, the chance the second draw is not blue is 4/6. Multiply: 5/7 × 4/6 = 20/42 = 10/21. So the probability of drawing at least one blue is 1 − 10/21 = 11/21. You can also add the separate scenarios: blue on the first draw is 2/7, or not blue first and blue second is (5/7)×(2/6) = 10/42 = 5/21; total 2/7 + 5/21 = 11/21.

The event is easiest to handle by using the complement: probability of no blue in both draws. If the urn has 2 blue and 5 non-blue balls (7 total), then the chance the first draw is not blue is 5/7, and given that, the chance the second draw is not blue is 4/6. Multiply: 5/7 × 4/6 = 20/42 = 10/21. So the probability of drawing at least one blue is 1 − 10/21 = 11/21. You can also add the separate scenarios: blue on the first draw is 2/7, or not blue first and blue second is (5/7)×(2/6) = 10/42 = 5/21; total 2/7 + 5/21 = 11/21.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy