MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World

Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

Lesson Title: Illustrating Tree Diagram Strategy Materials:

in Problem Solving Student Activity Sheet, Calculator,
Pencil and eraser.
Lesson Objectives: At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Apply the “tree diagram” strategy in problem solving. References:
2. Enhance problem solving skills. https://www.blake.com.au/v/vspfiles/
downloadables/PT2_ProblemSolving.pdf

Productivity Tip: We will do some simple drawing again. Check the information above regarding materials.
Get them all ready before you start. You can walk around if you feel bored already. Let’s do this with a happy
heart!

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

Introduction

Tree diagrams are another way to show the outcomes of simple probability events where each outcome
is represented as a branch on a tree. In this lesson, you will look at examples of probability word problems
and use tree diagrams to solve the problems. The tree diagrams can be used to represent the set of all
possible outcomes involving one or more experiments. Probability tree diagrams are useful for both
independent and dependent probability.
A common example used to introduce tree diagrams is to find the number of possible outcomes of
flipping two coins in succession. We know that when we flip a coin, it will either land on heads or tails, so
when we flip one of the coins, we have two possible outcomes: heads or tails.

B. MAIN LESSON

Content Notes

Problem solving strategy #5: Tree Diagram

A tree diagram is a diagram used in strategic

decision making, valuation or probability

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 MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World
Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________
calculations. The diagram starts at a single node,
with branches emanating to additional nodes, which
represent mutually exclusive decisions or events. In
the diagram below, the analysis will begin at the first
blank node. A decision or event will then lead to
node A or B. From these secondary nodes,
additional decisions or events will occur leading to
the third level of nodes until a conclusion is reached.

The Addition Rule is used for dependent events, as well as mutually inclusive and mutually exclusive events
while the Multiplication Rule is used for independent events.

Addition Rule – For 2 events, A and B, the probability of selecting one event or another is given by:
P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) −P(A and B).
Multiplication Rule – For 2 independent events, A and B, where the outcome of A does not change the
probability of B, the probability of A and B is given by: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B).

A tree diagram allows you to start at a single point and make mutually exclusive decisions or experience
mutually exclusive events to follow a path down the branches of the tree. Using the tree diagram is simple
once you assign the appropriate values to each node. Chance nodes, representing a possible outcome, must
be assigned a probability. Decision nodes ask a question and must be followed by answer nodes, such as
"yes" or "no." Often, a value will be associated with a node.

Example. Irvin opens up his sock drawer to get a pair socks to wear to school. He looks in the sock drawer and
sees 4 red socks, 6 white socks, and 8 brown socks. Irvin reaches in the drawer and pulls out a red sock. He is
wearing blue shorts, so he replaces it. He then draws out a white sock. What is the probability that Irvin pulls
out a red sock, replaces it, and then pulls out a white sock?

Solution: First draw a tree diagram.

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 MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World
Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

There are 18 socks in Irvin’s sock drawer.

4 2
1. The probability of getting a red sock when he pulls out the first sock is: P(red) = =
18 9
Irvin puts the sock back in the drawer and pulls out the second sock.
6 1
2. The probability of getting a white sock on the second draw is: P(white) = =
18 3
Therefore, the probability of getting a red sock and then a white sock when the first sock is replaced is:
2 1 2
P(red and white) = × =
9 3 27
One important part of these types of problems is that order is not important.
Now say Irvin picked out a white sock, replaced it, and then picked out a red sock.
1 2 2
Calculate this probability. P(white and red) = × =
3 9 27
So regardless of the order in which he takes the socks out, the probability is the same. In
other words, P(red and white) = P(white and red).

Now try this!

What is the probability that Irvin pulls out a white sock on the first pick, replaced it, and a brown sock on the
second pick? ________________________

This document is the property of PHINMA EDUCATION

 MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World
Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________
“Check your answers against the Key to Corrections found at the end of this SAS.
Write your score on your paper.”

Skill-building Activities
Practice Exercises: Solve the following problems. Show the tree diagram.

1) Thirdy is a disc jockey. He chooses different types of records for each hour of his three-hour
program. The possible choices are listed below.
First hour Second hour Third hour

Rock Instrumental Opera

Folk Jazz Classical
How many possible outcomes can be listed?

2) Jasmin has four white mice, two males and two females. Each of the two couples has three female
mice. Then each of these females has four babies. One night, Jasmin’s little sister Aisha leaves the
mice cage open and eight escape. How many mice does Jasmin have left?

3) A bag contains 3 black balls and 5 white balls. Paul picks a ball at random from the bag and
replaces it back in the bag. He mixes the balls in the bag and then picks another ball at random from
the bag.
a) Construct a probability tree of the problem.
b) Calculate the probability that Paul picks two black balls

This document is the property of PHINMA EDUCATION

 MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World
Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

“Check your answers against the Key to Corrections found at the end of this SAS.
Write your score on your paper.”

Check for Understanding

Quiz: Solve the problems below using the “Tree Diagram” strategy.

1. Mr. Tea Café serves two desserts, cake and pie. They also serve three beverages, coffee, tea or juice.
Suppose you choose one dessert and one beverage. How many possible outcomes are there?
2. Five students from different countries meet to plan an international peace ceremony. Each student
shakes the hand of each other student. How many handshakes are there altogether?
3. If you toss a coin 2 times, what is the probability of getting 2 heads? Use a tree diagram to find your
answer.

This document is the property of PHINMA EDUCATION

 MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World
Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

C. LESSON WRAP-UP
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is a Probability Tree Diagram?
We can construct a probability tree diagram to help us solve some probability problems. A probability
tree diagram shows all the possible events. The first event is represented by a dot. From the dot,
branches are drawn to represent all possible outcomes of the event. The probability of each
outcome is written on its branch

2) What are problem-solving strategies discuss significance of each?

A problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to find a solution. Different strategies have
different action plans associated with them. For example, a well-known strategy is trial and error. The
old adage, “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again” describes trial and error.

Thinking about learning

Think about your Learning Easy? Average” or Difficult? Let’s talk about your learning experience.

1. What did you like about this lesson? Why did it make you feel this way? How did this feeling affect
your work?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. What routines, behaviors, actions help you work better? Describe how it helps.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

KEY TO CORRECTIONS (3 points per correct answer)

Example: P(white and brown) =1/3 × 2/9 = 2/27

Skill building Activities: Tree diagrams and answers problems

1. There are 8 possible outcomes

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 MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World
Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

2. Jasmin is left with 26 mice

3.

a) Check that the probabilities in the last column add up to 1.

b) To find the probability of getting two black balls, first locate the B branch and then follow the second
B branch. Since these are independent events we can multiply the probability of each branch.

This document is the property of PHINMA EDUCATION

 MAT 152: Mathematics in the Modern World
Module #7 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

Quiz
1. There are six possible outcomes

2. There are ten handshakes

3. ¼ or 25%

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