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Help with simple statistics question?
This is an entirely hypothetical question, but it's bugging me.
Let's say I'm offered one of four prizes. I'm guaranteed to get one, but the selection is random. If I'm trying to get a specific one of the four, but I can enter the contest three times, what are my odds of actually getting that one?
I haven't done statistics in years and can't remember how to do this. Can someone explain?
Good point, Mark. I should have specified that any prize I take will be replaced for the next entry.
I remember doing this in high school. I just can't remember HOW.
Good point, Mark. I should have specified that any prize I take will be replaced for the next entry.
I remember doing this in high school. I just can't remember HOW.
2 Answers
- Anonymous8 years agoFavorite Answer
3 to 1
- MARK BLv 78 years ago
After you have entered three times there will be only one prize left.
The probability that this leftover prize is the one you wanted is ¼.
So the probability of you getting the one you wanted is ¾.
That's odds of 3 to 1.
Response to additional info.
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If the prizes are replaced...
The probability of not getting the one you want is:
3/4 x 3/4 x 3/4 = 27/64
So the probability of getting the one you want is:
1 - 27/64 = 37/64
That's odds of 37 to 27.