Introduction to Probability Theory

Ex 12.1
Question 1.
An experiment has the four possible mutually exclusive and exhaustive outcomes A, B, C and D. Check
whether the following assignments of probability are permissible.
(i) P(A) = 0.15, P(B) = 0.30, P(C) = 0.43, P(D) = 0.12
(ii) P(A) = 0.22, P(B) = 0.38, P(C) = 0.16, P(D) = 0.34
(iii) P(A) = , P(B) = , P(C) = − , P(D) =
2

5
3

5
1

5
1

Solution:
When A, B, C, D are the possible exclusive and exhaustive events the P(A) + P(B) + P(C) + P(D) = 1.
(i) P(A) = 0.15, P(B) = 0.30, P(C) = 0.43, P(D) = 0.12
Now P(A) + P(B) + P(C) + P(D) = 0.15 + 0.30 + 0.43 + 0.12 = 1
0.15 + 0.30 + 0.43 + 0.12 = 1
∴ The assignment of probability is permissible

(ii) P(A) = 0.22, P(B) = 0.38, P(C) = 0.16, P(D) = 0.34

Now P(A) + P(B) + P(C) + P(D) = 1
0.22 + 0.38 + 0.16 + 0.34 = 1.10 = ≠1
∴ The assignment of probability is not permissible.

(iii) P(A) = , P(B) = , P(C) = − , P(D) =

2

5
3

5
1

5
1

P(C) = − which is not possible

1

(i.e.) for any event A, (0 ≤ P(A) ≤ 1)

∴ The assignment of probability is not permissible.

Question 2.
If two coins are tossed simultaneously, then find the probability of getting
(i) one head and one tail
(ii) at most two tails
Solution:
When two coins are tossed the sample space will be
S = {(H, H), (H, T), (T, H), (T, T)}
n(S) = 4
(i) probability of getting 1 head and one tail = =
2

4
1

(ii) Probability of getting atmost two tails = = 1

4

Question 3.
Five mangoes and 4 apples are in a box. If two fruits are chosen at random, find the probability that (i)
one is a mango and the other is an apple (ii) both are of the same variety.
Solution:
(i) Mangoes (M) = 5
Apples (A) = 4 Total = 5 + 4=9
P(mango) = P(M) = 5/9
P(A) = 4/9.
When two Suits are chosen at random
P(one mango and one Apple) = P(MA or AM)
= P(M)P (A) × 2!
= × × 2! =
5

9
4

8
5

(PCM) = (Sell from 5 mangoes and set 1 from a fruit)

5

P(A) = (Sel 1 from 4 apples and set 1 from the remaining 8 fruits)
4

(ii) P(MMorAA)
= P(M) P(M) + P(A) P(A)

Question 4.
What is the chance that (i) non-leap year (ii) leap year should have fifty three Sundays?
Solution:
(i) Non leap year
No of days =365
= 365

7
weeks = 52 weeks + 1 day
In 52 week we have 52 Sundays. So we have to find the probability of getting the remaining one day as
Sunday. The remaining 1 day can be Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
(i.e.,) n(S) = 7
In the n (Sunday) = A {Saturday to Sunday or Sunday to Monday}
(i.e.,) n(A) = 1
So, P(A) = 1.
n(A)
∴ Probability of getting 53 Sundays n(S)
=
1

(ii) Leap Year:

In 52 weeks we have 52 Sundays. We have to find the probability of getting one Sunday form the
remaining 2 days the remaining 2 days can be a combination of the following S = {Saturday to Sunday,
Sunday to Monday, Monday, to Tuesday, Tuesday to wednes¬day, Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to
Friday, Friday and Saturday}.
(i.e) n(s) =7
In this = A {Saturday to Sunday, Sunday to Monday}
(i.e) n(A) = 2
So, P(A) = 2

Question 5.
Eight coins are tossed once, find the probability of getting
(i) exactly two tails
(ii)at least two tails
(iii) at most two tails
Solution:
When a coin is tossed 8 times or 8 coins are tossed one time n(s) = 28 = 256
(i) Let A be the event of getting exactly 2 tails.
Here n(A) = 8C2 = = 28
8×7

2×1
n(A)
P(A) = n(S)
=
28

256
=
64
7

(ii) Let B be the event of getting at least two facts.

n(B) = 8C2 + 8C3 + ……….. + 8C8
= n( S) – (8C0 + 8C1) = 256 – (1 + 8) = 247
n(B)
P(B) = n(S)
=
247

256

(iii) Let C be the event of getting atmost two facts.

n(C) = 8C0 + 8C1 + 8C0
=1+8+ 8×7

2×1
= 1 + 8 + 28 = 37
n(C)
P(C) = =
37

256
n(S)

Question 6.
An integer is chosen at random from the first 100 positive integers. What is the probability that the integer
chosen is a prime or multiple of 8?
Solution:
S= {1, 2, 3, …………. 100}
n(S) = 100
Let A be the event of choosing a prime number
∴ A = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89}
n(A) = 25 So P(A) = 25

100

Let B be the event of getting a number multiple of 8

B = {8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96}
n(B)= 12 So P(B) = 12

100

also A ∩ B = ϕ
⇒ A and B are mutually exclusive
∴ P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) = +
25

100
12
=
100
37

100

Question 7.
A bag contains 7 red and 4 black balls, 3 balls are drawn at random.
Find the probability that (i) all are red (ii) one red and 2 black.
Solution:
No. of Red balls = n(R) = 7
No. of Black balls = n(B) = 4
Total = 7 + 4 = 11 ⇒ n(S) = 11
Three balls are drawn at random

Question 8.
A single card is drawn from a pack of 52 cards. What is the probability that
(i) the card is an ace or a king
(ii) the card will be 6 or smaller
(iii) the card is either a queen or 9?
Solution:
Total No. of cards = 52 = n(S)
No. of ace cards = n(A) = 4
No. of king card = n(k) = 4
(i) P(A or K) = P(A) + P(K)
(∵ A and K are mutually exclusive).
n(A) n(K)
= n(S)
+
n(S)
=
4

52
+
4

52

= 8

52
=
2

13

(ii) Let B be the event of getting a number be 6 or smaller

So the numbers can be 6, 5, 4, 3, 2
There are 4 types of cards
So n(B) = 4 × 5 = 20
n(B)
and So, p(B) = = =
n(S)
20

52
5

13

(iii) Let C be the event of getting a queen ⇒ so n(c) = 4

and Let D be the event of getting a number 9 ⇒ n(D) = 4
Now C ∩ D = ϕ
(i.e.,) C and D are mutually exclusive.
∴ P(C ∪ D) = P(C) + P(D) = 4

52
+
4

52
=
8

52

= 2

13

Question 9.
A cricket club has 16 members, of whom only 5 can bowl. What is the probability that in a team of 11
members at least 3 bowlers are selected?
Solution:
No. of players = 16
We need to select 11 players which can be done in 16 C11 ways
(i. e) n(S) = 16C11 ways
= 4368
Out of the selection of 11 members there should be a least 3 bowler So we can have 3 or 4 or 5 bowlers
and S the remaining will be 8 or 7 or 6 players. So the selection can be done as follows.

Let A be the event of selecting atleast 3 bowlers out of a selection of 11 players.

So n(A) = (5C3 × 11C8) + (5C4 × 11C7) + (5C5) (11C6)
∴ 5C3 = 10, 5C4 = 5, 5C5 = 1

Question 10.
(i) The odds that the event A occurs is 5 to 7, find P(A)
(ii) Suppose P(B) = . Express the odds that the event B occurs.
2

Solution:
If the probability of an event is P then the odds is favour of its occurrence are P to (1 – P) and the odds
against its occurrence are (1 – P) to P.
Here we are given the odds that The event A occurs = 5 to 7
So, the odds that the event B occurs is 2 to 3.
∴ P(A) = 5

5+7
=
5

12

(ii) We are given P(B) = 2

(i.e.,) P(B) = 2

2+3

So, the odds that the event B occurs is 2 to 3.

Additional Problems

Question 1.
An experiment has the four possible mutually exclusive outcomes A, B, C and D. Check whether the
following assignments of probability are permissible.
P(A) = 0.32, P(B) = 0.28, P(C) = -0.06, P(D) = 0.46
Solution:
Probability of an event cannot be negative. Here P(C) = – 0.06.
∴ the above set of events are not possible.
P(A) = , P(B) = , P(C) = , P(D) =
1

3
1

6
2

9
5

18

Question 2.
In a single throw of two dice, find the probability of obtaining
(i) sum of less than 5
(ii) a sum of greater than 10
(iii) a sum of 9 or 11.
Solution:
The sample space when throwing two dice once =
{(1, 1), (1, 2), …………. (1, 6)
(2, 1), ………… (2, 6)
:
:
(6, 1), ……….. (6, 6)}
n(S) = 62 = 36
(i) Let A be the event of getting a sum less than 5.
Then A = {(1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3) (2, 1),(2, 2) (3, 1)}
n(A) = 6
n(A)
∴ P(A) = n(S)
= =
6

36
1

(ii) Let B be the event of getting a sum greater than 10.

∴ The sum will be 11 or 12.
Now the numbers whose sum is 11.
= {(5, 6), (6, 5)}
The number whose sum is 12 = {(6, 6)}
n(B) = 2 + 1 = 3
∴ P(B) = = 3

36
1

12

(iii) Let C be the event of getting a sum 9 or 11.

Now C = {(3, 6), (4, 5)
(5, 4), (6, 3)
(5, 6), (6, 5)}
n(C) = 6
∴ P(C) = = 6

36
1

Question 3.
Three coins are tossed once. Find the probability of getting
(i) exactly two heads
(ii) at least two heads
(iii) atmost two heads.
Solution:
The sample space when three coin are tossed once is as follows:
S = {(H, H, H), (H, T, H), (T, H, H), (H, H, T), (T, T, H), (H, T, T) (T, H, T), (T, T, T)}
n(S) = 23 = 8
(i) Let A be the event of getting exactly two heads.
∴ A = {(H, T, H) (T, H, H) (H, H, T)}
n(A) = 3
∴ n( A) = 3

(ii) Let B be the event of getting at least two heads.

B = {(H, T, H), (T, H, H), (H, H, T), (H, H, H)}
n(B) = 4
∴ P(B) = =4

8
1

(iii) Let C be the event of getting atmost two heads.

C = {(T, T, T), (H, T, T), (T, H, T), (T, T, H) (H, H, T), (T, H, H), (H, T, H)}
n( C) = 7 ∴ P(C) = 7

Question 4.
A bag contains 5 white and 7 black balls. 3 balls are drawn at random. Find the probability that
(i) all are white
(ii) one white and 2 black.
Solution:
Number of white balls = 5
Number of black balls = 7
Total number of balls = 12
Selecting 3 from 12 balls can be done in
(ii) Let B be the event of selecting one white and 2 black balls.

Question 5.
In a box containing 10 bulbs, 2 are defective. What is the probability that among 5 bulbs chosen at
random, none is defective?
Solution:
Total number of bulbs = 10
Number of defective bulbs = 2
∴ Number of good bulbs = 10 – 2 = 8
Now selecting 5 from the 10 bulbs can be done in 10C5 ways.

Question 6.
Out of 10 outstanding students in a school there are 6 girls and 4 boys. A team of 4 students is selected at
random for a quiz programme. Find the probability that there are atleast two girls.
Solution:
Let A, B and C be the three possible events of selections. The number of combinations are shown below:
Question 7.
An integers is chosen at random from the first fifty positive integers. What is probability that the integer
chosen is a prime or multiple of 4.
Solution:
S = {1, 2, 3, ……….. ,50} ∴ n(S) = 50
Let A be the event of getting prime number.
∴ A = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47}
n(A) = 15, so P(A) = 15/50
Let B be the event of getting number multiple of 4
∴ B = {4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48}
n(B) = 12, so P(B) = 12/50
Here A and B are mutually exclusive. (i.e.,) A ∩ B = ϕ
∴ P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) = 15/50 + 12/50 = 27/50.
 Ex 12.2
Question 1.
If A and B are mutually exclusive events P(A) = 3

8
and P (B) = , then find
1

(i) P¯
¯¯
(A)

(ii) P(A ∪ B)
(iii) P(¯A
¯
¯
∩B
(iv) P(A ∪ ¯B
¯¯
¯ ¯
¯
)

Solution:

Question 2.
If A and B are two events associated with a random experiment for which P(A) = 0.35, P(A or B) = 0.85,
and P(A and B) = 0.15.
Find (i) P(only B)
(ii) P(¯B
¯
¯
)

(iii) P(only A)
Solution:
Given P(A) = 0.35
P(A ∪ B) = 0.85
P(A ∩ B) = 0.15
We know P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
(i.e.,) 0.85 = 0.35 + P(B) – 0.15
⇒ 0.85 – 0.2 = P(B)
(i.e.,) P(B) = 0.65

(i) P(only B ) = P(B) – P(A ∩ B)

= 0.65 – 0.15 = 0.50
(ii) P(¯B
¯
¯
) = 1 – P(B) = 1 – 0.65 = 0.35

(iii) P(A only) = P(A) – P(A ∩ B) = 0.35 – 0.15 = 0.20

Question 3.
A die is thrown twice. Let Abe the event, ‘First die shows 5’ and B be the event, ‘second die shows 5’.
Find P(A ∪ B).
Solution:
When a die is throw twice
n(s) = 62 = 36
Let A be the event that first die shows 5 and B be the event that second die shows 5 Now A = {(5, 1), (5,
2) (5, 3), (5, 4), (5, 5) (5, 6}
n(A)
n(A) = 6 ⇒ P(A) =
6
=
n(S) 36

and B = {(1, 5), (2, 5), (3, 5), (4, 5), (5, 5), (6, 5)}
n(B)
n(B) = 6 ⇒ P(B) = n(S)
=
6

36

Also A ∩ B = {(5, 5)} ⇒ n (A ∩ B) = 1

P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= + − =
6

36
6

36
1

36
11

36

Question 4.
The probability of an event A occurring is 0.5 and B occurring is 0.3. If A and B are mutually exclusive
events, then find the probability of
(i) P(A ∪ B)
(ii) P(A ∩ ¯¯
B)
¯

(iii)P(¯A
¯
¯
∩ B)
Solution:
P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.3
Here A and B are mutually exclusive.
(i) P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B)
= 0.5 + 0.3 = 0.8
(ii) P(A ∩ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∪ B)
= 0.5 + 0.3 – 0.8
P(A ∩ B) = 0
P(A ∩ ¯¯ B ) = P(A) – P(A ∩ B) = 0.5 – 0 = 0.5
¯

(iii) P(¯A
¯
¯
∩ B) = P(B) – P(A ∩ B) = 0.3 – 0 = 0.3

Question 5.
A town has 2 fire engines operating independently. The probability that a fire engine is available when
needed is 0.96.
(i) What is the probability that a fire engine is available when needed?
(ii) What is the probability that neither is available when needed?

Solution:
(i) P(atleast one engine is available) = (1 – probability of no engine available)
= 1 – P(A’ ∩ B’) = 1 – P (A’) P(B’)
= 1 – (0.04) (0.04) = 1 – 0.0016 = 0.9984
(ii) P (A’ ∩ B’) = P (A’) P(B’)
= 0.04 × 0.04
= 0.0016

Question 6.
The probability that a new railway bridge will get an award for its design is 0.48, the probability that it
will get an award for the efficient use of materials is 0.36, and that it will get both awards is 0.2. What is
the probability, that (i) it will get atleast one of the two awards 00 it will get only one of the awards.
Solution:
Given P(A) = 0.48, P(B) = 0.36 and P(A ∩ B) = 0.2

(i) P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)

= 0.48 + 0.36 – 0.2 = 0.64.
(ii) P (Getting only one award)
= P(A) – P(A ∩ B) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= (0.48 – 0.2) + (0.36 – 0.2)
= 0.28 + 0.16 = 0.44.
Additional Problems

Question 1.
A and B are two events associated with random experiment for which P(A) = 0.36, P(A or B) = 0.90 and
P(A and B) = 0.25. Find
(i) P(B)
(ii) P(¯A
¯¯ ¯
¯¯
∩ B)

Solution:
(i) Given P(A) = 0.36, P(A ∪ B) = 0.09, P(A ∩ B) = 0.25
P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
(i.e.,) 0.90 = 0.36 + P(B) – 0.25
0.90 = 0.11 + P(B)
∴ P(B) = 0.90 – 0.11 = 0.79

(ii) P(¯A
¯
¯
∩ B ) = P{(A’ ∪ B)’} (Demorgan Law)
¯
¯¯

P(A ∪ B)’ = 1 – P(A ∪ B) = 1 – 0.90 = 0.1.

Question 2.
Given P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.6 and P(A ∩ B) = 0.24. Find
(i) P(A ∪ B)
(ii) P(¯A
¯¯
∩ B)
(iii) P(A ∩ ¯B ¯
¯
)
(iv) P(¯A¯
¯ ¯¯
∪ B)
¯

(v) P(¯A¯¯ ¯
¯¯
∩ B)

Solution:
(i) P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.6, P(A ∩ B) = 0.24
P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
(i.e.,) P(A ∪ B) = 0.5 + 0.6 – 0.24
= 1.1 – 0.24 = 0.86
∴ P(A ∪ B)= 0.86

(ii) P(¯A
¯
¯
∩ B) = P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= 0.6 – 0.24 = 0.36

(iii) P(A ∩ ¯B
¯
¯
) = P(A) – P(A ∩ B)
= 0.5 – 0.24 = 0.26

(iv) P(¯A
¯
¯
∪ B ) = P {(A ∩ B)’} = 1 – P(A ∩ B)
¯
¯¯

= 1 – 0.24 = 0.76

(v) P(¯A
¯
¯
∩ B ) = P{A ∪ B)’} = 1 – P(A ∪ B)
¯
¯¯

= 1 – 0.86 = 0.14.
Question 3.
The probability of an event A occurring is 0.5 and B occurring is 0.3. If A and B are mutually exclusive
events, then find the probability of neither A nor B occurring.
Solution:
Given A and B are mutually exclusive and P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.3
∴ P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) = 0.5 + 0.3 = 0.8
So, P(A’ ∩ B’) = P{(A ∪ B)’} = 1 – P(A ∪ B)
= 1 – 0.8 = 0.2

Question 4.
The probability that a new ship will get an award for its design is 0.25, the probability that it will get an
award for the efficient use of materials is 0.35 and that it will get both awards is 0.15. What is the
probability, that (/) it will get atleast one of the two awards (ii) it will get only one of the awards?
Solution:
Probability of getting the award for its design = P(A) = 0.25
Probability of getting the award for the efficient use of materials = P(B) = 0.35
Probability of getting both awards = P(A ∩ B) = 0.15
Now P(A) =0.25; P(B) = 0.35 and P(A ∩ B) = 0.15
∴ (i) P(A ∪ B)= P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= 0.25 + 0.35 – 0.15 = 0.60 – 0.15 = 0.45
(ii) P(A’ ∩ B’ or B ∩ A’) = P(A ∩ B’) + P(A’ ∩ B)
P(A ∩ B’) = P(A) – P(A ∩ B)
= 0.25 – 0.15 = 0.10
P(A’ ∩ B) = P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= 0.35 – 0.15 = 0.20
∴ P(A ∩ B’) + P(A’ ∩ B) = 0.10 + 0.20 = 0.30.
 Ex 12.3
Question 1.
Can two events be mutually exclusive and independent simultaneously?
Solution:
When A and B are independent
P(A ∩ B) = P(A) P(B)
But when A and B are mutually
Exclusive P(A ∩ B) = 0

Question 2.
If A and B are two events such that P(A ∪ B) = 0.7, P(A ∩ B) = 0.2, and P(B) = 0.5 then show that A
and B are independent.
Solution:
GivenP(A ∪ B) = 0.7, P(A ∩ B)= 0.2 and P(B) = 0.5
To find P(A)
Now, P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
(i.e.,) 0.7 = P(A) + 0.5 – 0.2
⇒ 0.7 – 0.5 + 0.2 = P(A)
(i.e.,) P(A) = 0.4
Now P(A ∩ B) = 0.2 …………. (i)
P(A) P(B) = 0.4 × 0.5 = 0.2 ………… (ii)
(1) = (2) ⇒ P(A ∩ B) = P(A) P(B)
⇒ A and B are independent.

Question 3.
If A and B are two independent events such that P(A ∪ B) = 0.6, P(A) = 0.2, find P(B).
Solution:
Given A and B are independent.
⇒ P(A ∪ B) = P(A).P(B)
Here P(A ∪ B) = 0.6 and P(A) = 0.2
To find P(B):
Now, P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
(i.e.,) P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A) . P(B)
(i.e.,) 0.6 = 0.2 + P(B) (1 – 0.2)
P(B) (0.8) = 0.4
⇒ P(B) = 0.4

0.8
4
=
8
1
=
2
= 0.5
Question 4.
If P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.8 and P(B/A) = 0.8, find (P(A/B)) and P(A ∪ B)
Solution:
Given P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.8 and P(B/A) = 0.8 to find P(A/B) & P(A ∪ B)

So, P(A/B) =0.5 and P(A ∪ B) = 0.9.

Question 5.
If for two events A and B, P(A) = , P(B) =
3

4
2

5
and A ∪ B = S (sample space), find the conditional
probability P(A/B).
Solution:

Question 6.
A problem in Mathematics is given to three students whose chances of solving it are 1

3
,
1

4
and 1

(i) What is the probability that the problem is solved?

(ii) What is the probability that exactly one of them will solve it?
Solution:
Question 7.
The probability that a car being filled with petrol will also need an oil change is 0.30; the probability
that it needs a new oil filter is 0.40, and the probability that both the oil and filter need changing is
0.15.
(i) If the oil had to be changed, what is the probability that a new oil filter is needed?
(ii) If a new oil filter is needed, what is the probability that the oil has to be changed?
Solution:
Given P(A) = 0.3, P(B) = 0.4 and P(A ∩ B) = 0.15

Question 8.
One bag contains 5 white and 3 black balls. Another bag contains 4 white and 6 black balls. If one ball
is drawn from each bag, find the probability that (i) both are white (ii) both are black (iii) one white
and one black.
Solution:
Question 9.
Two thirds of students in a class are boys and rest girls. It is known that the probability of a girl getting
a first grade is 0.85 and that of boys is 0.70. Find the probability that a students chosen at random will
get first grade marks.
Solution:
Question 10.
Given P(A) = 0.4 and P(A ∪ B) = 0.7. Find P(B) if
(i) A and B are mutually exclusive
(ii) A and B are independent events
(iii) P(A/B) = 0.4
(iv) P(B/A) = 0.5
Solution:
P(A) = 0.4, P(A ∪ B) = 0.7
(i) When A and B are mutually exclusive
P(A ∪ B) = P(A) P(B)
(i.e.,) 0.7 = 0.4 + P(B)
0.7 – 0.4 = P(B)
(i.e.,) P(B) = 0.3

(ii) Given A and B are independent

⇒ P(A ∩ B) = P(A). P(B)
Now, P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P (A ∩ B)
(i.e.,) 0.7 = 0.4 + P(B) – (0.4) (P(B))
(i.e.,) 0.7 – 0.4 = P(B) (1 – 0.4)
0.3 = P (B) 0.6
⇒ P(B) = 0⋅3

0⋅6
=
3

6
= 0.5

(iii) P(A/B) = 0.4

P (A∩B)
(i.e.,)P (B)
= 0.4
⇒ P(A ∩ B) = 0.4 [P(B)] …………. (i)
But We know P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
P(A ∩ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∪ B)
⇒ P(A ∩ B) = 0.4 + P(B) – 0.7
= P(B) – 0.3 …………. (ii)
from (i) and (ii) (equating R.H.S) We get
0.4 [P(B)] = P(B) – 0.3
0.3 = P(B) (1 – 0.4)
0.6 (P(B)) = 0.3 ⇒ P(B) = 0.3

06
=
3

6
= 0.5

(iv) P(B/A) = 0.5

P (A∩B)
(i.e.,)P (A)
= 0.5
(i.e.,) P(A ∩ B) = 0.5 × P(A)
= 0.5 × 0.4 = 0.2
Now P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
⇒ 0.7 = 0.4 + P(B) – 0.2
⇒ 0.7 = P(B) + 0.2
⇒ P(B) = 0.7 – 0.2 = 0.5
Question 11.
A years is selected at random. What is the probability that (i) it contains 53 Sundays (ii) it is a leap
year which contains 53 Sundays?
Solution:
(i) A non-leap year contains 365 days 365 ÷ 7 = 52 weeks + 1 days. In 52 weeks,
1

4
1

4
1

we get 52 Sundays from the remaining 1 days we should get one sunday. 1

4
5/4
∴ The probability of getting the day as Sunday = = =
7
5

4×7
5

28

(ii) A leap year has 366 days

366

7
= 52 weeks + 2 days
In 52 weeks, we get 52 Sundays.
From the remaining two days we should get one Sunday, the remaining two days can be any one of the
following combinations.
Saturday and Sunday, Sunday and Monday, Monday and Tuesday, Tuesday and Wednes¬day,
Wednesday and Thursday, Thursday and Friday, Friday and Saturday of the seven combination two
have Sundays.
∴ (Probability of getting a Sunday = 2

Selecting a leap year = 1

{∴ In every four consecutive years we get one leap year}

∴ Probability of getting 53 Sundays = × × 2

7
1

4
1

14

Question 12.
Suppose the chances of hitting a target by a person X is 3 times in 4 shots, by Y is 4 times in 5 shots,
and by Z is 2 times in 3 shots. They fire simultaneously exactly one time. What is the probability that
the target is damaged by exactly 2 hits?
Solution:
Given P(X) = 3/4, P(X’) = 1 – 3/4 = 1/4
∴ P(Y) = 4/5, P(Y’) = 1 – 4/5 = 1/5
P(Z) = ∴ P(Z’) = 1 – =
2

3
2

3
1

P(X ∩ Y ∩ Z’) + P(X ∩ Y’ ∩ Z) + P(X’ ∩ Y ∩ Z)

= × × + × × + × ×
3

4
4

5
1

3
3

4
1

5
2

3
1

4
4

5
2

= 12

60
+
6

60
+
8

60
=
26

60
=
13

30

Additional Problems

Question 1.
If P(A) = 0.4, P(B) = 0.7 and P(B/A) = 0.5, find P(A /B) and P(A ∪ B).
Solution:
P(B∩A)
P(B/A) = 0.5 ⇒ P(A)
= 0.5
P(B∩A)
(i.e.,) = 0.5
0.4

∴ P(B ∩ A) = 0.4 × 0.5 = 0.2

(i.e.,) P(A ∩ B)= 0.2
P(A ∪ B)= P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
P(A ∪ B) = 0.4 + 0.7 – 0.2 = 0.9
P (A∩B)
P(A/B) = P (B)
=
0.2

0.7
=
2

Question 2.
If A and B are two events such that P(A ∪ B) = , P(A ∩ B) = , P(¯¯
5

6
1

3
B) =
¯ 1

2
show that A and B are
independent.
Solution:
P(¯¯
B) =
¯ 1

2
(i.e.,)1 – P(B) = 1

∴ A and B are independent

Question 3.
P(A) = 0.3, P(B) = 0.6 and P(A ∩ B) = 0.25. Find
(i) P(A ∪ B)
(ii) P(A/B)
(iii) P(B/¯A
¯
¯
)
(iv) P(A/B)
¯¯
¯

(v) P(¯A¯
¯ ¯¯¯
/B )

Solution:
Question 4.
Two cards are drawn one by one at random from a deck of 52 playing cards. What is the – probability
Of getting two jacks if (i) the first card is replaced before the second card is drawn (ii) the first card is
not replaced before the second card is draw?
Solution:

Question 5.
A husband and wife appear in an interview for two vacancies in the same post. The probability of
husband’s selection is and that of wife’s selection is . What is the probability that (i) both of them
1

6
1

will be selected, (ii) only one of them will be selected, (iii) none of them will be selected?
Solution:
P(H) = Probability of husband’s selection = 1

P(W) = Probability of wife’s selection = 1

Question 6.
For a student the probability of getting admission in IIT is 60% and probability of getting admission in
Anna university is 75%. Find the probability that (i) getting admission in only one of these, (ii) getting
admission in atleast one of these.
Solution:
 Ex 12.4
Question 1.
A factory has two Machines-I and II. Machine-I produces 60% of items and Machine-II produces 40% of
the items of the total output. Further, 2% of the items produced by Machine-I are defective whereas 4%
produced by Machine-II are defective. If an item is drawn at random what is the probability that it is
defective?
Solution:

Question 2.
There are two identical urns containing respectively 6 black and 4 red balls, 2 black and 2 red balls. An
urn is chosen at random and a ball is drawn from it, (z) find the probability that the ball is black (ii) if the
ball is black, what is the probability that it is from the first urn?
Solution:
Question 3.
A firm manufactures PVC pipes in three plants viz, X, Y and Z. The daily production volumes from the
three firms X, Y and Z are respectively 2000 units, 3000 units and 5000 units. It is known from the past
experience that 3% of the output from plant X, 4% from plant Y and 2% from plant Z are defective. A
pipe is selected at random from a day’s total production,
(i) find the probability that the selected pipe is a defective one.
(ii) if the selected pipe is a defective, then what is the probability that it was produced by plant Y?
Solution:
Question 4.
The changes of A, B and C becoming manager of a certain company are 5 : 3 : 2. The probabilities that
the office canteen will be improved if A, B, and C become managers are 0.4, 0.5 and 0.3 respectively. If
the office canteen has been improved, what is the probability that B was appointed as the manager?
Solution:
Given A : B : C = 5 : 3 : 2

Question 5.
An advertising executive is studying television viewing habits of married men and women during prime
time hours. Based on the past viewing records he has determined that during prime time wives are
watching television 60% of the time. It has also been determined that when the wife is watching
television, 40% of the time the husband is also watching. When the wife is not watching the television,
30% of the time husband is watching the television. Find the probability that (i) the husband is watching
the television during the prime time of television (ii) if the husband is watching the television, the wife is
also watching the television.
Solution:

Additional Problems

Question 1.
A factory has two Machines-I and II. Machines-I produces 25% of items and Machine-II produces 75% of
the items of the total output. Further 3% of the items produces by Machine-I are defective whereas 4%
produced by Machine-II are defective. If an item is drawn at random what is the probability that it is
defective?
Solution:
Let A1 be the event that the items are produced by Machine-I and A2 be the event that the items are
produced by Machine-II.
Let B the event of drawing a defective item

Question 2.
There are two identical boxes containing respectively 5 white and 3 red balls, 4 white and 6 rpd balls. A
box is chosen at random and a ball is drawn from it (i) find the probability that the ball is white (ii) if the
ball is white, what is the probability that it from the first box?
Solution:
Let A1 be the event of selecting the first box and A2 be the event of selecting the second box. Let B be the
event of selecting a white ball.
Question 3.
In a factory, Machine-I produces 45% of the output and Machine-II produces 55% of the output. On the
average 10% items produced by I and 5% of the items produced by II are defective. An item is drawn at
random from a day’s output, (i) Find the probability that it is a defective item (ii) If it is defective, what is
the probability that it was produced by Machine-II?
Solution:
Let A1 and A2 be the events that the items produced by Machine-I and II respectively.
Let B be the event of selecting a defective item
 Ex 12.5
Choose the correct or most suitable answer from the given four alternatives:
Question 1.
Four persons are selected at random from a group of 3 men, 2 women and 4 children. The probability that
exactly two of them are children is
(a)3

(b)10

23

(c)1

(d)10

21

Solution:
(d)
Hint:
Total no of person = 3 + 2 + 4 = 9
Selecting 4 from 9 can be done in 9 C4 ways

Question 2.
A number is selected from the set {1, 2, 3, ….., 20}. The probability that the selected number is divisible
by 3 or 4 is ……………
(a)2

(b)1

(c)1

(d)2

Solution:
(c)
Hint:
n(S) = 20
A = {3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18} ⇒ n(A) = 6
B = {4, 8, 12, 16, 20} ⇒ n(B) = 5
A ∩ B = {12} ⇒ n(A ∩ B) = 1
so P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= + − =
6

20
5

20
1

20
10
=
20
1

Question 3.
A, B and C try to hit a target simultaneously but independently. Their respective probabilities of hitting
the target are , , . The probability that the target is hit by A or B but not by C
3

4
1

2
5

Solution:
(a)
Hint:
P(A) = P(A’) = 1/4
3

P(B) = 1/2 P(B’) = 1/2

P(C) = 5/8 P(C’) = 3/8
Probability of hitting the target = 1

Question 4.
If A and B are any two events, then the probability that exactly one of them occur is …………
¯
¯¯
(a) P(A ∪ ¯¯
B ) + P(A ∪ B)
¯

(b) P(A ∩ ¯¯
B ) + P(A ∩ B)
¯ ¯
¯¯

(c) P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)

(d) P(A) + P(B) + 2P(A ∩ B)
Solution:
(b)
Hint:
Question 5.
Let A and B be two events such that P(¯A
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
∪ B) = , P(A ∩ B) =
1

6
1

4
and P(¯A
¯
¯
)= .
1

Then the events A and B are …………………

(a) Equally likely but not independent
(b) Independent but not equally likely
(c) Independent and equally likely
(d) Mutually inclusive and dependent
Solution:
(b)
Hint:

So P(A). P(B) = × =
3

4
1

3
1

P(A ∩ B) = P(A). P(B)

⇒ A and B are independent and not equally likely

Question 6.
Two items are chosen from a lot containing twelve items of which four are defective, then the probability
that at least one of the item is defective
when two items are chosen at random probability of atleast one of them is defective ………….

Solution:
(a)
Hint:
Total number = 12
Defective = 4
∴ good ones = 12 – 4 = 8
when two items are chosen at random probability of atleast one of them is defective
= P(one defective or 2 defectives) = P(GD or DD)
= P(G) P(D) + P(D) P(D)

Question 7.
A man has 3 fifty rupee notes, 4 hundred rupees notes and 6 five hundred rupees notes in his pocket. If 2
notes are taken at random, what are the odds in favour of both notes being of hundred rupee
denomination?
(a) 1 : 12
(b) 12 : 1
(c) 13 : 1
(d) 1 : 13
Solution:
(d)
Hint:

The odds in favour done of P is P : 1 – P

(i.e.,) :
1

13
12

13
= 1 : 12

Question 8.
A letter is taken at random from the letters of the word ‘ASSISTANT’ and another letter is taken at
random from the letters of the word ‘STATISTICS’. The probability that the selected letters are the same
is ………….

Solution:
(d)
Hint:

Question 9.
A matrix is chosen at random from a set of all matrices of order 2, with elements 0 or 1 only. The
probability that the determinant of the matrix chosen is not zero will be

Solution:
(b)
Hint: Then given elements are 0 and So each term of a matrix can be filled (Using or 1) is 2 ways.
The No. of elements is a 2 × 2 matrix = 2 × 2 = 4. So the possible ways of filling the elements of a 2 × 2
matrix is 24 = 16 (i.e.,) n(S) = 16
Let A be the event of getting a 2 × 2 matrix for which the determinant value is non zero.

Question 10.
A bag contains 5 white and 3 black balls. Five balls are drawn successively without replacement. The
probability that they are alternately of different colours is …………..
Solution:
(c)
Hint:

Question 11.
If A and B are two events such that A ⊂ B and P(B) ≠ 0, then which of the following is correct?
P(A)
(a) P(A/B) = P(B)

(b) P(A/B) < P(A) (c) P(A/B) ≥ P(A) (d) P(A/B) > P(B)
Solution:
(c)
Hint:

Question 12.
A bag contains 6 green, 2 white, and 7 black balls. If two balls are drawn simultaneously then the
probability that both are different colours is ………..

Solution:
(a)
Hint:

Question 13.
If X and Y be two events such that P(X/Y) = , P(Y/X) =
1

2
1

3
and P(X ∩ Y) = 1

6
then P(X ∪ Y) is
…………
(a)1

(b)2

(c)1

(d)2

Solution:
(d)
Hint:
Question 14.
An um contains 5 red and 5 black balls. A balls is drawn at random, its colour is noted and is returned to
the um. Moreover, 2 additional balls of the colour drawn are put in the um and then a ball is drawn at
random. The probability that the second ball drawn is red will be …………

Solution:
(b)
Hint:

Question 15.
A number x is chosen at random from the first 100 natural numbers. Let A be the event of numbers which
(x−10)(x−50)
satisfies x−30
≥ 0, then P(A) is …………….
(a) 0.20
(b) 0.51
(c) 0.71
(d) 0.70
Solution:
(c)
Hint:
Question 16.
If two events A and B are independent such that P(A) = 0.35 and P(A ∪ B) = 0.6, then P(B) is …………..

Solution:
(a)
Hint:
Given A and B are independent
P(A ∩ B) = P(A) + P(B)
⇒ Now P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
(i.e.,) Now P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A).P(B)
0.6 = 0.35 + P(B) – (0.35) P(B)
⇒ P(B) = (1 – 0.35) = 0.6 – 0.35
0.65 P(B) = 0.25
∴ P(B) = 0.25
=
0.65
25
=
65
5

13

Question 17.
If two event A and B are such that P(¯A
¯
¯
) and P(A ∩ ¯¯
B ) = 1/2, then P(A ∩ B) is ………….
¯

Solution:
(d)
Hint:

Question 18.
If A and B are two events such that P(A) = 0.4, P(B) = 0.8 and P(B/A) = 0.6, then P(¯A
¯
¯
∩ B) is …………..
(a) 0.96
(b) 0.24
(c) 0.56
(d) 0.66
Solution:
(c)
Hint:
P (A∩B)
P(B/A) = 0.6 ⇒ = 0.6
P (A)

⇒ P(B/A) = 0.6 × P(A) = 0.6 × 0.4 = 0.24

Now P(¯A¯¯
∩ B) = P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= 0.8 – 0.24 = 0.56
Question 19.
There are three events A, B, and C of which one and only one can happen. If the odds are 7 to 4 against A
and 5 to 3 against B, then odds against C is ……………
(a) 23 : 65
(b) 65 : 23
(c) 23 : 88
(d) 88 : 23
Solution:
(b)
Hint: If the probability of an event is P then the odds against its occurrence are 1 – P to P.
Selecting 1 from the 4 number 1, 2, 3,4, can be done in 4 ways
Here for the event A we are given that = 1−P

P
7
=
4

⇒ 4 – 4P = 7P
⇒ 11 P = 4 ⇒ P = 4

11
⇒ P(A) = for the event B we are given
4

11
1−P

P
=
5

3
⇒ 5P = 3 – 3P
⇒ 8P = 3 ⇒ P = 3/8
P(B) = 3

Now we are given P(A) + P(B) + P(C) = 1

P(C) = 1 – P(A) – P(B)
P(C) = 1 – −4 3

11 8

Question 20.
If a and b are chosen randomly from the set {1, 2, 3, 4} with replacement, then the probability of the real
roots of the equation x2 + ax + b = 0 is

Solution:
(c)
Hint:
x2 + ax + b = 0 ⇒ x =
2
−a±√ a −4b

Given that the roots are real ⇒ a2 – 4b ≥ 0 or a2 > 4b

When a = 1, b = 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 a2 – 4b < 0
When a = 2, b = 1 a2 – 4b = 0
When a = 3, b = 1 or 2 for which a2 – 4b ≥ 0
When a = 4, b = 1 or 2, 3 or 4 for which a2 – 4b ≥ 0
So, Selecting from the 4 number 42 = 16 ways.
(i.e.,) n(s) = 16
n(A) = (2 or 3 or 4) = 3
n(B) = (1 or 2 or 3 or 4) = 4
P(A) + P(B) = + =
3

16
4

16
7

16

Question 21.
It is given that the events A and B are such that P(A) = , P(A/B) =
1

4
1

2
and P(B/ A) = 2

3
then P(B) is
……………

Solution:
(b)
Hint:

Question 22.
In a certain college 4% of the boys and 1% of the girls are taller than 1.8 meter. Further 60% of the
students are girls. If a student is selected at random and is taller than 1.8 meters, then the probability that
the students is a girls is ………….

Solution:
(b)
Hint:

Question 23.
Ten coins are tossed. The probability of getting at least 8 heads is …………….

Solution:
(d)
Hint:
When 10 coins are tossed, No. of element in sample space
n(S) = 210 = 1024
Probability of getting atleast 8 heads

Question 24.
The probability of two events A and B are 0.3 and 0.6 respectively. The probability that both A and B
occur simultaneously is 0.18. The probability that neither A nor B occurs is …………….
(a) 0.1
(b) 0.72
(c) 0.42
(d) 0.28
Solution:
(d)
Hint:
P(A) = 0.3, P(B) = 0.6
P(A ∩ B) = 0.18
So P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
= 0.3 + 0.6 – 0.18
= 0.9 – 0.18 = 0.72
P(A’ ∩ B’) = P[(A ∪ B)’] = 1 – P(A ∪B)
= 1 – 0.72 = 0.28

Question 25.
If m is a number such that m≤ 5, then the probability that quadratic equation 2x2 + 2mx + m + 1 = 0 has
real roots is ………….

Solution:
(c)
Hint:
2x2 + 2mx + m + 1 = 0

roots are real ⇒ m2 – 2m – 2 ≥ 0

Here m ≤ 5 ⇒ n(S) = 5
When m= 1,m2 – 2m – 2
When m = 2, m2 – 2m- 2
When m = 3, m2 – 2m – 2
When m = 4, m2 – 2n- 2
When m = 5, m2 – 2m – 2
⇒ n{A) = 3 and so P(A) = 3