Probability PYQs

Based on Basic Concept of Probability

1. A bag contains 3 black, 4 red and 2 green balls. If three balls are drawn simultaneously at
random, then the probability that the balls are of different colours is_________.
[CBSE 2020]
Solution

4
𝐶1 × 3 𝐶1 × 2 𝐶1
Required probability = 9𝐶
3
4×3×2 2
= =
9×7×8 7
3×2

2. Out of 8 outstanding students of a school, in which there are 3 boys and 5 girls, a team of
4 students is to be selected for a quiz competition. Find the probability that 2 boys and 2
girls are selected.
[CBSE 2019]
Solution

Total number of students = 8

The number of ways to select 4 students out of 8 students
8!
= 8 𝐶4 = = 70
4! 4!

The number of ways to select 2 boys and 2 girls

3! 5!
= 3 𝐶2 × 5 𝐶2 = × = 3 × 10 = 30
2! 1! 2! 3!
30 3
∴ Required probability = = .
70 7

3. Two cards are drawn at random and one-by-one without replacement from a well-
shuffled pack of 52 playing cards. Find the probability that one card is red and the other
is black.
[CBSE 2020]

1
 Solution

26 26 26 26
Required probability = × + ×
52 51 52 51
26 26 26
=2× × =
52 51 51

4. A box B1 contains 1 white ball and 3 red balls. Another box B2 contains 2 white balls and
3 red balls.
If one ball is drawn at random from each of the boxes B1 and B2, then find the probability
that the two balls drawn are of the same colour.
[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution

𝐵1 contains 1 white ball and 3 red balls.

𝐵2 contains 2 white balls and 3 red balls.
𝑃( same colour ) = 𝑃( white ball of 𝐵1 and white ball of 𝐵2 ) or 𝑃( red ball of 𝐵1 and red ball of
𝐵2 )
1 2 3 3
= × + ×
4 5 4 5
2 9 11
= + =
20 20 20

5. If A and B are two events such that P(A) = 0.4, P(B) = 0.3 and P(A ∪ B) = 0.6, then find
P (B’ ∩ A).
[CBSE 2020]
Solution

We have, 𝑃(𝐴) = 0.4, 𝑃(𝐵) = 0.3 and 𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵) = 0.6

So, 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐵) − 𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)
= 0.4 + 0.3 − 0.6 = 0.1

Now, 𝑃(𝐵′ ∩ 𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐴) − 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)

= 0.4 − 0.1 = 0.3

2
 Based on Conditional Probability
6. 12 cards numbered 1 to 12 (one number on one card), are placed in a box and mixed up
thoroughly. Then a card is drawn at random from the box. If it is known that the number
on the drawn card is greater than 5, find the probability that the card bears an odd
number.
[CBSE 2019]
Solution

The sample space, 𝑆 is given by

𝑆 = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12}

Let 𝐴 be the event that number on the drawn card is odd, and 𝐵 be the event that number on the drawn
card is greater than 5 .

∴ 𝐴 = {1,3,5,7,9,11}
𝐵 = {6,7,8,9,10,11,12}

and, 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {7,9,11}
𝑛(𝐴) 6′ 𝑛(𝐵) 7
Now, 𝑃(𝐴) = 𝑛(𝑆)
= 12 𝑃(𝐵) = 𝑛(𝑆)
= 12
𝑛(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) 3
𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = =
𝑛(𝑆) 12
𝐴 𝑃(𝐴∩𝐵) 3/12 3
Now, 𝑃 (𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐵)
= 7/12 = 7
3
Hence, required probability is 7.

7. A black and a red die are rolled together. Find the conditional probability of obtaining the
sum 8, given that the red die resulted in a number less than 4.
[CBSE 2018]
Solution

𝐸 : 'a total of 8 ' and 𝐹 :'red die resulted in a number less than 4 '

i.e., 𝐸 = {(2,6), (3,5), (4,4), (5,3), (6,2)}

3
 and 𝐹 = {(𝑥, 𝑦): 𝑥 ∈ {1,2,3,4,5,6}, 𝑦 ∈ {1,2,3}}
i.e., 𝐹 = {(1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (2,1), (2,2),
(2,3), (3,1), (3,2), (3,3), (4,1), (4,2), (4,3), (5,1),
(5,2), (5,3), (6,1), (6,2), (6,3)}
Hence, 𝐸 ∩ 𝐹 = {(5,3), (6,2)}, 𝑃(𝐸) = 5/36,
𝑃(𝐹) = 18/36, 𝑃(𝐸 ∩ 𝐹) = 2/36
∴ Required probability = 𝑃(𝐸/𝐹)
𝑃(𝐸 ∩ 𝐹) 2/36 2 1
= = = = .
𝑃(𝐹) 18/36 18 9

8. Assume that each born child is equally likely to be a boy or a girl. If a family has two
children, what is the conditional probability that both are girls? Given that
(i) the youngest is a girl.
(ii) atleast one is a girl.
[CBSE 2014]
Solution

Let 𝐺𝑖 (𝑖 = 1,2) and 𝐵𝑖 (𝑖 = 1,2) denote the 𝑖 𝑡 th child is a girl or a boy respectively.
Then sample space is,
𝑆 = {𝐺1 𝐺2 , 𝐺1 𝐵2 , 𝐵1 𝐺2 , 𝐵1 𝐵2 }

Let 𝐴 be the event that both children are girls, 𝐵 be the event that the youngest child is a girl and 𝐶 be
the event that at least one of the children is a girl.
Then 𝐴 = {𝐺1 𝐺2 }, 𝐵 = {𝐺1 𝐺2 , 𝐵1 𝐺2 }
and 𝐶 = {𝐵1 𝐺2 , 𝐺1 𝐺2 , 𝐺1 𝐵2 }
⇒ 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {𝐺1 𝐺2 } and 𝐴 ∩ 𝐶 = {𝐺1 𝐺2 }
(i) Required probability = 𝑃(𝐴/𝐵)

𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) 1/4 1
= = =
𝑃(𝐵) 2/4 2

(ii) Required probability = 𝑃(𝐴/𝐶)

𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐶) 1/4 1
= = =
𝑃(𝐶) 3/4 3

9. A couple has 2 children. Find the probability that both are boys, if it is known that
(i) one of them is a boy,
(ii) the older child is a boy.
Solution

4
 Let 𝐵𝑖 (𝑖 = 1,2) and 𝐺𝑖 (𝑖 = 1,2) denote the 𝑖 th child is a boy or a girl respectively.
Then sample space is,
𝑆 = {𝐵1 𝐵2 , 𝐵1 𝐺2 , 𝐺1 𝐵2 , 𝐺1 𝐺2 }

Let 𝐴 be the event that both are boys, 𝐵 be the event that one of them is a boy and 𝐶 be the event that
the older child is a boy.
𝐴 = {𝐵1 𝐵2 }, 𝐵 = {𝐺1 𝐵2 , 𝐵1 𝐺2 , 𝐵1 𝐵2 }
𝐶 = {𝐵1 𝐵2 , 𝐵1 𝐺2 } ⇒ 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {𝐵1 𝐵2 } and 𝐴 ∩ 𝐶 = {𝐵1 𝐵2 }
(i) Required probability = 𝑃(𝐴/𝐵)

𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) 1/4 1
= = =
𝑃(𝐵) 3/4 3

(ii) Required probability = 𝑃(𝐴/𝐶)

𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐶) 1/4 1
= = =
𝑃(𝐶) 2/4 2

10. Consider the experiment of tossing a coin. If the coin shows head, toss it again, but if it
shows tail, then throw a die. Find the conditional probability of the event that 'the die
shows a number greater than 4’ given that 'there is at least one tail’.
[CBSE 2014C]
Solution

The sample space 𝑆 of the given random experiment is 𝑆 =

{(𝐻, 𝐻), (𝐻, 𝑇), (𝑇, 1), (𝑇, 2), (𝑇, 3), (𝑇, 4), (𝑇, 5), (𝑇, 6)}
Let 𝐴 be the event that the die shows a number greater than 4 and 𝐵 be the event that there is at
least one tail.
∴ 𝐴 = {(𝑇, 5), (𝑇, 6)}
and 𝐵 = {(𝑇, 1), (𝑇, 2), (𝑇, 3), (𝑇, 4), (𝑇, 5), (𝑇, 6), (𝐻, 𝑇)}
𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {(𝑇, 5), (𝑇, 6)}
∴ 𝑃(𝐵) = 𝑃{(𝑇, 1)} + 𝑃{(𝑇, 2)} + 𝑃{(𝑇, 3)}
+𝑃{(𝑇, 4)} + 𝑃{(𝑇, 5)} + 𝑃{(𝑇, 6)} + 𝑃{(𝐻, 𝑇)}
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3
= + + + + + + =
12 12 12 12 12 12 4 4

5
 1 1 1
𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 𝑃{(𝑇, 5)} + 𝑃{(𝑇, 6)} = + =
12 12 6
𝐴 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)
∴ Required probability = 𝑃 ( ) =
𝐵 𝑃(𝐵)
1
2
=6=
3 9
4

11. Given that E and F are events such that P(E) = 0.8, P(F) = 0.7, P(E ∩ F) = 0.6. Find
P(𝐸̅ |𝐹̅ ).
[CBSE SQP 2020-21]
Solution

𝑃(𝐸‾ ∩ 𝐹‾ ) 𝑃(𝐸‾ ∪ 𝐹‾ ) 1 − 𝑃(𝐸 ∪ 𝐹)

𝑃(𝐸‾ ∣ 𝐹‾ ) = = =
𝑃(𝐹‾ ) 𝑃(𝐹‾ ) 1 − 𝑃(𝐹)
Now, 𝑃(𝐸 ∪ 𝐹) = 𝑃(𝐸) + 𝑃(𝐹) − 𝑃(𝐸 ∩ 𝐹) = 0.8 + 0.7 − 0.6 = 0.9
Substituting value of 𝑃(𝐸 ∪ 𝐹) in (i), we get

1 − 0.9 0.1 1
𝑃(𝐸‾ ∣ 𝐹‾ ) = = =
1 − 0.7 0.3 3

Based on Multiplication Rule of Probability

12. A bag contains 3 red and 7 black balls. Two balls are selected at random one-by-one
without replacement. If the second selected ball happens to be red, what is the probability
that the first selected ball is also red?
[CBSE 2014 C]
Solution

Let 𝐴 be the event of drawing a red ball in first draw and 𝐵 be the event of drawing a red ball in
second draw.
3
𝐶1 3
∴ 𝑃(𝐴) = 10 𝐶
=
1 10

Now, 𝑃(𝐵/𝐴) = Probability of drawing a red ball in the second draw, when a red ball already has been
2𝐶 2
1
drawn in the first draw = 9𝐶 =9
1
∴ The required probability = 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)

3 2 1
= 𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐵/𝐴) = × =
10 9 15

6
 Based on Independent Events
13. Events A and B are such that
1 7 1
P(A) = 2, P(B) = 12 and P(𝐴̅ ∪ 𝐵̅ ) = 4

Find whether the events A and B are independent or not.

[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution

1 7 1
Given: 𝑃(𝐴) = 2 , 𝑃(𝐵) = 12 , 𝑃(𝐴‾ ∪ 𝐵‾) = 4
To find whether 𝐴 and 𝐵 are independent or not.
Two events are independent if 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐵) 𝑃(𝐴‾ ∪ 𝐵‾) = 1 − 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)
1
⇒ = 1 − 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)
4
1 3
⇒ 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 1 − =
4 4
1 7 7
and 𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐵) = × =
2 12 24
Since 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) ≠ 𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐵)
∴ 𝐴 and 𝐵 are not independent.

14. Given two independent events A and B such that P(A) = 0.3 and P(B) = 0.6, find
P(A'∩B').
[CBSE 2020]
Solution

Given, 𝐴 and 𝐵 are independent events. So, 𝐴′ and 𝐵′ are also independent events.
Now, 𝑃(𝐴′ ∩ 𝐵′ ) = 𝑃(𝐴′ ) × 𝑃(𝐵′ )
= [1 − 𝑃(𝐴)][1 − 𝑃(𝐵)] = [1 − 0.3][1 − 0.6]
[ Given, 𝑃(𝐴) = 0.3 and 𝑃(𝐵) = 0.6]

2 1
15. If A and B are two independent events such that 𝑃(𝐴̅ ∩ 𝐵) = 15 and 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵̅ ) = 6, then

find P(A) and P(B).

[CBSE 2015]
Solution

7
 2
It is given that 𝐴 and 𝐵 are independent events and 𝑃(𝐴‾ ∩ 𝐵) = 15
2
⇒ 𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵) =
15
1 1
Also, 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = ⇒ 𝑃(𝐴)𝑃(𝐵‾) =
‾
6 6
Let 𝑝 = 𝑃(𝐴) ⇒ 𝑃(𝐴‾) = 1 − 𝑃(𝐴) = 1 − 𝑝
and 𝑞 = 𝑃(𝐵) ⇒ 𝑃(𝐵‾) = 1 − 𝑃(𝐵) = 1 − 𝑞
Now, from (i) and (ii), we get

2
(1 − 𝑝)𝑞 =
15
1
and 𝑝(1 − 𝑞) = 6
...(iv)
Subtracting (iii) from (iv), we get
1 2 1 1
𝑝−𝑞 = − = ⇒𝑝=𝑞+
6 15 30 30

Putting this value of 𝑝 in (iii), we get

1 2 29 2
(1 − 𝑞 − )𝑞 = ⇒ 𝑎 − 𝑞2 =
30 15 30 15
⇒ 30𝑞2 − 29𝑞 + 4 = 0
⇒ 30𝑞2 − 24𝑎 − 5𝑞 + 4 = 0
⇒ 6𝑞(5𝑞 − 4) − 1(5𝑞 − 4) = 0
⇒ (5𝑎 − 4)(6𝑞 − 1) = 0
4 1
⇒ 𝑞 = or
5 6
4
For 𝑞 = , using (iv), we have
5

4 1 1 1 5
𝑝 (1 − ) = ⇒ 𝑝 ( ) = ⇒ 𝑝 =
5 6 5 6 6
1
For 𝑞 = 6, using (iv), we have

1 1 5 1 1
𝑝 (1 − ) = ⇒ 𝑝 ( ) = ⇒ 𝑝 =
6 6 6 6 5
5 4 1 1
∴ 𝑃(𝐴) = , 𝑃(𝐵) = or 𝑃(𝐴) = , 𝑃(𝐵) =
6 5 5 6

8
 16. A die marked 1, 2, 3 in red and 4, 5, 6 in green is tossed. Let A be the event "number is
even and B be the event” number is marked red". Find whether the events A and B are
independent or not.
[CBSE 2019]
Solution

We have, 𝑆 = {1,2,3,4,5,6} and 𝐴 be the event that number is even = {2,4,6}

3 1
⇒ 𝑃(𝐴) = =
6 2

𝐵 be the event that number is red = {1,2,3}

3 1
⇒ 𝑃(𝐵) = =
6 2

and 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {2}
1
⇒ 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) =
6
1 1 1
Also, 𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐵) = 2 × 2 = 4
From (i) and (ii),
𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐵) ≠ 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)
So, 𝐴 and 𝐵 are not independent.

17. Prove that if E and F are independent events, then the events E’ and F’ are also
independent.
[CBSE 2017]
Solution

Since, 𝐸 and 𝐹 are independent events.

∴ 𝑃(𝐸 ∩ 𝐹) = 𝑃(𝐸)𝑃(𝐹)
Now, 𝑃(𝐸 ′ ∩ 𝐹 ′ ) = 1 − 𝑃(𝐸 ∪ 𝐹)
[∵ 𝑃(𝐸 ′ ∩ 𝐹 ′ ) = 𝑃((𝐸 ∪ 𝐹)′ )]
= 1 − [𝑃(𝐸) + 𝑃(𝐹) − 𝑃(𝐸 ∩ 𝐹)]
[Using (i)]
= 1 − 𝑃(𝐸) − 𝑃(𝐹) + 𝑃(𝐸)𝑃(𝐹)
= (1 − 𝑃(𝐸))(1 − 𝑃(𝐹)) = 𝑃(𝐸 ′ )𝑃(𝐹 ′ )
Hence, 𝐸 ′ and 𝐹 ′ are independent events.

9
 1 1 1
18. A problem is given to three students whose probabilities of solving it are 3 , 4 and 6

respectively. If the events of solving the problem are independent, find the probability
that at least one of them solves it.
[CBSE 2020]
Solution

Let 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 be respectively the events of solving problem by three students and 𝑃(𝐴), 𝑃(𝐵), 𝑃(𝐶) be
their probability of solving the problem respectively.
1 1 1
∴ 𝑃(𝐴) = 3 , 𝑃(𝐵) = 4 and 𝑃(𝐶) = 6

Required probability = 1 − 𝑃(𝐴‾ ∩ 𝐵‾ ∩ 𝐶‾)

= 1 − 𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵‾)𝑃(𝐶‾)
( ∵ 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 are independent ∴ 𝐴‾, 𝐵‾, 𝐶‾ are also independent)
= 1 − [1 − 𝑃(𝐴)][1 − 𝑃(𝐵)][1 − 𝑃(𝐶)]
2 3 5 5 7
=1− × × =1− =
3 4 6 12 12

19. The probability of finding a green signal on a busy crossing X is 30%. What is the
probability of finding a green signal on X on two consecutive days out of three?
[CBSE 2020]
Solution

Let 𝐺 be the event of a green signal.

Required probability = 𝑃(𝐺𝐺𝐺 ′ ) + 𝑃(𝐺 ′ 𝐺𝐺)

3 2 7 7 3 2 9 7 7 9
=( ) + ⋅( ) = ⋅ + ⋅
10 10 10 10 100 10 10 100
63 63 126
= + =
1000 1000 1000

20. A and B throw a pair of dice alternately. A wins the game if he gets a total of 7 and 8
wins the game if he gets a total of 10. If A starts the game, then find the probability that B
wins.
[CBSE 2016]
Solution

10
Total outcomes = 36
Favourable outcomes for 𝐴 to win

= {(1,6), (6,1), (2,5), (5,2), (3,4), (4,3)}

6 1
∴ Probability of 𝐴 to win, 𝑃(𝐴) = =
36 6
1 5
Probability of 𝐴 to lose, 𝑃(𝐴‾) = 1− =
6 6
Favourable outcomes for 𝐵 to win = {(4,6), (6,4), (5,5)}
3 1
∴ Probability of 𝐵 to win, 𝑃(𝐵) = 36 = 12
1 11
Probability of 𝐵 to lose, 𝑃(𝐵‾) = 1 − 12 = 12
∴ Required probability

= 𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵) + 𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵‾)𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵)

+𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵‾)𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵‾)𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵) + ⋯
5 1 5 11 5 1 5 11 5 11 5 1
= × + × × × + × × × × × +⋯
6 12 6 12 6 12 6 12 6 12 6 12
5/72 5
= =
5 11 17
1− ×
6 12
1 1
21. Probability of solving specific problem independently by A and B are 2 and 3

respectively. If both try to solve the problem independently, find the probability that
(i) The problem is solved
(ii) exactly one of them solved the problem.
[CBSE 2015C]
Solution

Let 𝑋 and 𝑌 denote the respective events of solving the given specific problem by 𝐴 and 𝐵, then 𝑃(𝑋) =
1 1
2
and 𝑃(𝑌) = 3
(i) 𝑃 (problem is solved)

= 𝑃(𝑋 ∪ 𝑌) = 1 − 𝑃(𝑋‾)𝑃(𝑌‾)
1 1 1 2 2
= 1 − (1 − ) (1 − ) = 1 − × =
2 3 2 3 3

(ii) 𝑃 (Exactly one of 𝐴 and 𝐵 solves the problem)

𝑃(𝑋) ⋅ 𝑃(𝑌‾) + 𝑃(𝑋‾) ⋅ 𝑃(𝑌)

1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1
= (1 − ) + (1 − ) ⋅ = ⋅ + ⋅ = ( + ) =
2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 2

11
 22. P speaks truth in 70% of the cases and Q in 80% of the cases. In what percent of cases are
they likely to agree in stating the same fact?
Do you think, when they agree, means both are speaking truth?
[CBSE 2013]
Solution

Let 𝐸 be the event that 𝑃 speaks truth and 𝐹 be the event that 𝑄 speaks truth. Then, 𝐸 and 𝐹 are
70 7 80 4
independent events such that 𝑃(𝐸) = 100 = 10 and 𝑃(𝐹) = 100 = 5
𝑃 and 𝑄 will agree to each other in stating the same fact in the following mutually exclusive ways:
(I) 𝑃 speaks truth and 𝑄 speaks truth i.e. 𝐸 ∩ 𝐹
(II) P tells a lie and 𝑄 tells a lie i.e. 𝐸‾ ∩ 𝐹‾ .
∴ 𝑃(𝑃 and 𝑄 agree to each other)
7 4 7 4
= 𝑃(𝐸)𝑃(𝐹) + 𝑃(𝐸‾ )𝑃(𝐹‾ ) = × + (1 − ) (1 − )
10 5 10 5
28 3 31 62
= + = = .
50 50 50 100

Hence, in 62% of the cases 𝑃 and 𝑄 are likely to agree in stating the same fact.
𝑃 and 𝑄 agree means either both 𝑃 and 𝑄 are speaking truth or both are telling lie.

23. A speaks truth in 75% of the cases, while B in 90% of the cases. In what per cent of cases
are they likely to contradict each other in stating the same fact?
Do you think that statement of B is true?
[CBSE 2013]
Solution

. Probability of 𝐴 speaking the truth is,

75 3 3 1
𝑃(𝐴) = = ⇒ 𝑃(𝐴‾) = 1 − =
100 4 4 4

Probability of 𝐵 speaking the truth is,

90 9 9 1
𝑃(𝐵) = = ⇒ 𝑃(𝐵‾) = 1 − =
100 10 10 10

Now 𝐴 and 𝐵 will contradict each other in the following mutually exclusive cases:
(i) A speaks the truth and 𝐵 does not.
(ii) 𝐵 speaks the truth and 𝐴 does not.
∴ Probability that 𝐴 and 𝐵 will contradict each other = 𝑃(𝐴)𝑃(𝐵‾) + 𝑃(𝐵)𝑃(𝐴‾)

12
 3 1 9 1 12 3 30
= × + × = = =
4 10 10 4 40 10 100

i.e., they will contradict each other in 30% of the cases. We think that statement of 𝐵 may be false.

24. A speaks truth in 60% of the cases, while B in 90% of the cases. In what per cent of cases
are they likely to contradict each other in stating the same fact? In the cases of
contradiction do you think, the statement of B will carry more weight as he speaks truth
in more number of cases than A?
[CBSE 2013]
Solution

Let 𝑝1 be the event that 𝐴 speaks truth and 𝑝2 be the event that 𝐵 speaks truth, then 𝐴 and 𝐵 are
independent events such that

60 6
𝑝1 = 𝑃( A speaks the truth ) = 60% = =
100 10

6 4
∴ 𝑞1 = 𝑃( A does not speak truth i.e., tells a lie ) = 1 − =
10 10
90 9
𝑝2 = 𝑃(𝐵 speaks the truth ) = 90% = =
100 10
9 1
∴𝑞2 = 𝑃( B tells a lie ) = 1 − =
10 10
𝑝 (contradiction ) = 𝑝1 𝑞2 + 𝑞1 𝑝2

6 1 4 9
= × + ×
10 10 10 10
6 + 36 42
= = = 0.42
100 100
42
∴ Required % = 100 × 100 = 42%
Hence 𝐴 and 𝐵 are likely to contradict each other in 42% of the cases.

3 5
25. The probabilities of two students A and B coming to the school in time are 7 and 7

respectively.
Assuming that the events. A coming in time' and 'B coming in time' are independent, find
the probability of only one of them coming to the school in time. Write at least one
advantage of coming to school in time.

Solution
13
 3
Let 𝐸 be the event that 𝐴 is coming in time, 𝑃(𝐸) = 7 and 𝐹 be the event that 𝐵 is coming in time,
5
𝑃(𝐹) = 7
Also 𝐸 and 𝐹 are given to be independent events.
∴ Probability of only one of them coming to the school in time = 𝑃(𝐸) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐹‾ ) + 𝑃(𝐸‾ ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐹)

3 5 3 5 3 2 4 5 26
= ⋅ (1 − ) + (1 − ) ⋅ = ⋅ + ⋅ =
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 49

One advantage of coming to school in time is vital to the education process and encourages for a good
pattern of work.

26. In a hockey match, both teams A and B scored same number of goals up to the end of the
game, so as to decide the winner, the referee asked both the captains to throw a die
alternately and decided that the team, whose captain gets a six first, will be declared the
winner. If the captain of team A was asked to start, find their respective probabilities of
winning the match and state whether the decision of the referee was fair or not.
[CBSE 2013]
Solution

Probability of getting a six by the captains of both the teams 𝐴 and 𝐵 is

1
𝑃(𝐴) = = 𝑃(𝐵)
6

1 5
∴ 𝑃(𝐴‾) = 𝑃(𝐵‾) = 1 − =
6 6

Since 𝐴 starts the game, he can throw a six in the following mutually exclusive ways :
(𝐴), (𝐴‾𝐵‾𝐴), (𝐴‾𝐵‾𝐴‾𝐵‾𝐴), …
Probability that 𝐴 wins

= 𝑃(𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐴‾𝐵‾𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐴‾𝐵‾𝐴‾𝐵‾𝐴) + ⋯

= 𝑃(𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵‾)𝑃(𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵‾)𝑃(𝐴‾)𝑃(𝐵‾)𝑃(𝐴) + ⋯
1 5 5 1 5 5 5 5 1
= + ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ +⋯
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
1 1 5 2 1 5 4
= + ⋅( ) + ⋅( ) +⋯
6 6 6 6 6

1 5 2
This is an infinite G.P., with 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑟 = (6) Hence the probability of the team 𝐴 winning the match

14
 1
6 6
= 2 =
5 11
1−( )
6
6 5
Since the total probability is unity, the probability of team 𝐵 winning the match = 1 − 11 = 11. The
decision of the referee was not fair as whosoever starts throwing the die gets an upper hand.

Based on Total Probability

27. There are two bags. Bag I contains 1 red and 3 white balls, and Bag II contains 3 red and
5 white balls. A bag is selected at random and a ball is drawn from it. Find the probability
that the ball so drawn is red in colour.
[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 be the event that bag 𝐼 is chosen, 𝐸2 be the event that bag 𝐼𝐼 is chosen and 𝐴 be the event that
red ball is drawn.
Clearly, 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 are mutually exclusive and exhaustive events.
Since, one of the bag is chosen at random

1 1
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = and 𝑃(𝐸2 ) =
2 2
1 3
𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸1 ) = and 𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 ) =
4 8

By using law of total probability, we get

𝑃(𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 )

1 1 1 3 1 3 5
= × + × = + =
2 4 2 8 8 16 16

28. A bag A contains 4 black and 6 red balls and bag B contains 7 black and 3 red balls. A
die is thrown. If 1 or 2 appears on it, then bag A is chosen, otherwise bag B. If two balls
are drawn at random (without replacement) from the selected bag, find the probability of
one of them being red and another black.
[CBSE 2015]
Solution

15
 2 1
. Probability of choosing bag 𝐴 = 𝑃(𝐴) = 6 = 3
4 2
Probability of choosing bag 𝐵 = 𝑃(𝐵) = 6 = 3
Let 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 be the events of drawing a red and a black ball from bag 𝐴 and 𝐵 respectively.

6×4 7×3
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 10 𝐶
and 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 10
2 𝐶2
∴ Required probability = 𝑃(𝐴) × 𝑃(𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐵) × 𝑃(𝐸2 )
1 6×4 2 7×3 8 14 22
= × 10 + × 10 = + =
3 𝐶2 3 𝐶2 45 45 45

Based on Bayes Theorem

29. There are two boxes, namely box-I and box-II. Box-I contains 3 red and 6 black balls.
Box-ll contains 5 red and 5 black balls. One of the two boxes, is selected at random and a
ball is drawn at random. The ball drawn is found to be red. Find the probability that this
red ball comes out from box-II.
[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution

𝐸1 = selecting box 1
𝐸2 = selecting box ∥
𝐴 = getting 𝑎 red 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 from selecting 𝑏𝑜𝑥
1 1
𝑃(𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) =
2 2
3 1 5 1
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = = , 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = =
9 3 10 2

Using Bayes' Theorem

𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐴) =
𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
1 1 1 1
× 1 12 3
= 2 2 = 4 = 4 = × =
1 1 1 1 1 1 2+3 4 5 5
× + ×
2 3 2 2 6 4 + 12
3
∴ The probability that a red ball comes out from box II is 5.

16
 30. There are two bags, I and II. Bag I contains 3 red and 5 black balls and Bag II contains 4
red and 3 black balls. One ball is transferred randomly from Bag I to Bag II and then a
ball is drawn randomly from Bag II. If the ball so drawn is found to be black in colour,
then find the probability that the transferred ball is also black.
Solution

Let 𝐸1 be the event that ball transferred from bag 𝐼 to bag 𝐼 is red and 𝐸2 be the event that ball
transferred from bag I to bag II is black. 𝐵 be the event that ball drawn from bag II is black.
3 5
So, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 8 , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 8
3 4
𝑃(𝐵 ∣ 𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐵 ∣ 𝐸2 ) =
8 8
So, required probability = 𝑃(𝐸2 ∣ 𝐵)

𝑃(𝐸2 ) × 𝑃(𝐵 ∣ 𝐸2 )
=
𝑃(𝐸1 ) × 𝑃(𝐵 ∣ 𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) × 𝑃(𝐵 ∣ 𝐸2 )

5 4
= 8×8 =
20
=
20
3 3 5 4 9 + 20 29
8×8+8×8

31. Bag A contains 3 red and 5 black balls, while bag B contains 4 red and 4 black balls. Two
balls are transferred at random from bag A to bag B and then a ball is drawn from bag
Bat random. If the ball drawn from bag B is found to be red find the probability that two
red balls were transferred from A to B.
[CBSE 2016]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , 𝐸3 and 𝐶 be the events as defined below:

𝐸1 : Two red balls are transferred from bag 𝐴 to bag 𝐵.
𝐸2 : One red ball and one black ball is transferred from bag 𝐴 to bag 𝐵.
𝐸3 : Two black balls are transferred from bag 𝐴 to bag 𝐵.
𝐶 : Ball drawn from bag 𝐵 is red.
3𝐶 3 3𝐶 × 5𝐶 15
2 1 1
So, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 8𝐶 = 28 , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 8𝐶 = 28
2 2
5
𝐶2 10
𝑃(𝐸3 ) = 8𝐶
=
2 28

17
 6 5 4
Also, 𝑃(𝐶/𝐸1 ) = 10 , 𝑃(𝐶/𝐸2 ) = 10 , 𝑃(𝐶/𝐸3 ) = 10
∴ Required probability, 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐶)

𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐶/𝐸1 )
=
𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐶/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐶/𝐸2 ) + 𝑃(𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐶/𝐸3 )
3 6
× 18 18
= 28 10 = =
3 6 15 5 10 4 18 + 75 + 40 133
× + × + ×
28 10 28 10 28 10

32. A bag contains 4 red and 4 black balls, another bag contains 2 red and 6 black balls. One
of the two bags is selected at random and two balls are drawn at random without
replacement from the bag and are found to be both red. Find the probability that the balls
are drawn from the first bag.
[CBSE 2015C]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 denote the events of selection of first bag and second bag respectively. Let 𝐴 be the
event that 2 balls drawn are both red.
1
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = = 𝑃(𝐸2 )
2
4
𝐶2 4 ⋅ 3 3
Now, 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = 8 = =
𝐶2 8 ⋅ 7 14
2
𝐶2 1 × 2 1
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = 8 = =
𝐶2 8⋅7 28

The required probability = 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐴)

𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )
=
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
1 3
⋅ 3×2 6
= 2 14 = = .
1 3 1 1 3×2+1 7
2 ⋅ 14 + 2 ⋅ 28

18
 33. A bag contains two coins, one biased and the other unbiased. When tossed, the biased
coin has a 60% chance of showing heads. One of the coins is selected at random and on
tossing it shows tails. What is the probability it was an unbiased coin?
[CBSE 2020]

Solution

. Let 𝐸1 be the event of choosing a biased coin and 𝐸2 be the event of choosing an unbiased coin.
1
⇒ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 𝑃(𝐸2 ) =
2
Given, probability of biased coin has the chance of showing heads is 60%
∴ Probability of biased coin has the chance of showing tail is 40%
Let 𝐴 be the event of showing tails.

40 2
∴ 𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸1 ) = =
100 5
1
𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 ) =
2

Using Bayes' theorem, we get

𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 )
𝑃(𝐸2 ∣ 𝐴) =
𝑃(𝐸1 )(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 )(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 )
1 1 1 1
2 ×2 4 5
= = = 4 =
1 2 1 1 1 1 9 9
2×5+2×2 5+4 20

34. There are three coins, one is a two headed coin (having head on both the faces), another
is a biased coin that comes up heads 75% of the time and the third is an unbiased coin.
One of the three coins is chosen at random and tossed. If it shows head, then what is the
probability that it was the two headed coin?
[CBSE SQP 2019-20]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 = event of selecting a two headed coin.

𝐸2 = event of selecting a biased coin, which shows 75% times head.
𝐸3 = event of selecting an unbiased coin.
𝐴 = event that tossed coin shows head.
1
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 𝑃(𝐸3 ) =
3

19
 𝐴
𝑃 ( ) = 𝑃 (coin showing head given that it is two headed
𝐸1
coin) = 1
𝐴 75 3
𝑃 (𝐸 ) = 𝑃 (coin showing head given that it is biased coin) = 100 = 4
2
𝐴
𝑃 (𝐸 ) = 𝑃 (coin showing head given that it is an unbiased
3

1
coin) =
2

By Bayes theorem
P(getting two headed coin when it is known that it shows head)

𝐴
𝐸1 𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃 (𝐸 )
1
𝑃( )=
𝐴 𝐴 𝐴 𝐴
𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃 ( ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃 ( ) + 𝑃(𝐸3 )𝑃 ( )
𝐸1 𝐸2 𝐸3
1 1 1
3 ×1 3 ×1 4
= = = 3 =
1 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 1 9 9
3 × 1 + 3 × 4 + 3 × 2 3 (1 + 4 + 2) 3 × 4

∴ Required probability = 4/9

35. Suppose a girl throws a die. If she gets 1 or 2, she tosses a coin three times and notes the
number of tails. If she gets 3, 4, 5 or 6, she tosses a coin once and notes whether a 'head'
or 'tail' is obtained. If she obtained exactly one 'tail', what is the probability that she threw
3, 4, 5 or 6 with the die?
[CBSE 2018]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 be the event that the outcome on the die is 1 or 2, 𝐸2 be the event that the outcome on the
die is 3,4 , 5,6 .
2 1 4 2
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = = and 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = =
6 3 6 3
Let 𝐴 be the event of getting exactly one tail.
Now, 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) be the probability of getting exactly one tail by tossing the coin three times if she
3
gets 1 or 2 = 8 and 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) be the probability of getting exactly one tail in a single throw of coin if
1
she gets 3,4,5,6 = 2
The probability that the girl threw 3,4,5,6 with the die, if she obtained exactly one tail is given by
𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐴).

20
 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
∴ 𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐴) =
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
2 1
= 3⋅2 =
8
1 3 2 1 11
3⋅8+3⋅2

36. In a shop X, 30 tins of ghee of type A and 40 tins of ghee of type B which look alike, are
kept for sale. While in shop Y, similar 50 tins of ghee of type A and 60 tins of ghee of
type B are there. One tin of ghee is purchased from one of the randomly selected shop
and is found to be of type B. Find the probability that it is purchased from shop Y.
[CBSE 2020]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 be the event of getting ghee from shop 𝑋, 𝐸2 be the event of getting ghee from shop 𝑌 and 𝐴
be the event of getting ghee of type 𝐵.
1 1 40 4
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = , 𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸1 ) = = ,
2 2 70 7
60 6
𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 ) = =
110 11

Using Bayes' Theorem, we have

𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 )
𝑃(𝐸2 ∣ 𝐴) =
𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴 ∣ 𝐸2 )
1 6
⇒ 𝑃(𝐸2 ∣ 𝐴) = 2 × 11
1 4 1 6
2 × 7 + 2 × 11
6
11 42 42 21
= = = =
4 6 44 + 42 86 43
+
7 11

37. Often it is taken that a truthful person commands, more respect in the society. A man is
known to speak the truth 4 out of 5 times. He throws a die and reports that it is a six. Find
the probability that it is actually a six. Do you also agree that the value of truthfulness
leads to more respect in the society?
[CBSE 2017]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 be the event that ' 6 ' occurs, 𝐸2 be the event that ' 6 ' does not occur and 𝐴 be the event that
the man reports that it is ' 6 '.

21
 1 5
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) =
6 6
Now, 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) be the probability that the man reports that there is ' 6 ' on the die and ' 6 ' actually
occurs
4
= Probability that the man speaks the truth = 5
And 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) be the probability that the man reports that there is ' 6 ' when actually ' 6 ' does not
occurs
= Probability that man does not speaks the truth
4 1
=1− =
5 5

∴ Required probability = 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐴)

𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )
=
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
1 4
× 4 4
= 6 5 = =
1 4 5 1 4+5 9
6×5+6×5

Yes, we are agree that the value of truthfulness leads to more respect in the society.

38. Of the students in a school, it is known that 30% have 100% attendance and 70% students
are irregular, Previous year results report that 70% of all students who have 100%
attendance attain A grade and 10% Irregular students attain A grade in their annual
examination. At the end of the year, one student is chosen at random from the school and
he was found to have an A grade. What is the probability that the student has 100%
attendance? Is regularity required only in school? Justify your answer.
[CBSE 2017]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 is event of students which have 100% attendance, 𝐸2 is event of students which are irregular and
𝐴 is the event of students which have an 𝐴 grade.
Then, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 0.3, 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 0.7, 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = 0.7 and 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = 0.1
So, 𝑃 (Probability that student has 100% attendance given that he has A grade)

𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )
= 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐴) =
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )

22
[Using Baye's theorem]
0.3 × 0.7
=
0.3 × 0.7 + 0.7 × 0.1
0.3 × 0.7 0.3 3
= = = = 0.75
0.7(0.3 + 0.1) 0.4 4
As per answer, the probability of regular students having grade 𝐴 is more than 50%. So, the regularity is
required. No, regularity is required everywhere as it maintains our respect in society.

39. Three persons A, B and C apply for a job of Manager in a Private Company. Chances of
their selection (A, B and C) are in the ratio 1:2:4. The probabilities that A. B and C can
introduce changes to improve profits of the company are 0.8, 0.5 and 0.3 respectively. If
the change does not take place, find the probability that it is due to the appointment of C.
[CBSE 2016]
Solution

Let I be the event that changes take place to improve profits.

1
Probability of selection of 𝐴, 𝑃(𝐴) = 7
2
Probability of selection of 𝐵, 𝑃(𝐵) = 7
4
Probability of selection of 𝐶, 𝑃(𝐶) =
7
Probability that 𝐴 does not introduce changes, 𝑃(𝑇/𝐴) = 1 − 0.8 = 0.2
Probability that 𝐵 does not introduce changes, 𝑃(𝑇‾/𝐵) = 1 − 0.5 = 0.5
Probability that 𝐶 does not introduce changes, 𝑃(𝑇/𝐶) = 1 − 0.3 = 0.7
So, required probability = 𝑃(𝐶/𝐼‾)

𝑃(𝐶)𝑃(𝑇/𝐶)
=
𝑃(𝐴)𝑃(𝑇/𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐵)𝑃(𝑇/𝐵) + 𝑃(𝐶)𝑃(𝑇/𝐶)
4
× 0.7
= 7 = 0.7
1 2 4
7 × 0.2 + 7 × 0.5 + 7 × 0.7

40. A bag contains 4 balls. Two balls are drawn at random (without replacement) and are
found to be white. What is the probability that all balls in the bag are white?
[CBSE 2016]
Solution

23
Consider the following events.
E: Two balls drawn are white
𝐴 : There are 2 white balls in the bag
𝐵 : There are 3 white balls in the bag
𝐶 : There are 4 white balls in the bag
1
𝑃(𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐶) =
3
2 3
𝐶2 1 𝐶2 3 1
𝑃(𝐸/𝐴) = 4𝐶
= , 𝑃(𝐸/𝐵) = 4
= =
2 6 𝐶2 6 2

4
𝐶2
𝑃(𝐸/𝐶) = 4𝐶
=1
2

𝑃(𝐶) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐶)
∴ 𝑃(𝐶/𝐸) =
𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐵) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐵) + 𝑃(𝐶) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐶)

1
×1 3
= 3 =
1 1 1 1 1 5
3×6+3×2+3×1

41. Three machines E1, E2 and E3 in a certain factory producing electric bulbs, produce 50%,
25% and 25% respectively, of the total daily output of electric bulbs. It is known that 4%
of the bulbs produced by each of machines E1 and E2 are defective and that 5% of those
produced by machine E3 are defective. If one bulb is picked up at random from a day's
production, calculate the probability that it is defective.
[CBSE 2015]
Solution

Let 𝐴 be the event that the bulb is defective.

50 25 25
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸3 ) =
100 100 100
4 4 5
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = , 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 ) =
100 100 100
∴ Required probability, 𝑃(𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )
+𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) + 𝑃(𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 )
50 4 25 4 25 5
= × + × + ×
100 100 100 100 100 100
200 + 100 + 125 425 17
= = =
10000 10000 400

24
42. A manufacturer has three machine operators A. B and C. The first operator A produces
1% of defective items, whereas the other two operators B and C produces 5% and 7%
defective items respectively. A is on the job for 50% of the time. B on the job 30% of the
time and Con the job for 20% of the time. All the items are put into one stockpile and
then one item is chosen at random from this and is found to be defective. What is the
probability that it was produced by A?
[CBSE 2019]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , 𝐸3 and 𝐸 be the events defined as follows:

𝐸1 : The item is manufactured by operator 𝐴
𝐸2 : The item is manufactured by operator 𝐵
𝐸3 : The item is manufactured by operator 𝐶
𝐸: The item is defective.
50 5 30 3
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 100 = 10 , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 100 = 10,
20 2
𝑃(𝐸3 ) = =
100 10
1 5 7
𝑃(𝐸/𝐸1 ) = ; 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸2 ) = ; 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸3 ) =
100 100 100
Now, we have, to find 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐸) (i.e., item is defective and it is produced by operator 𝐴 )
𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐸/𝐸1 )
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐸) =
𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐸/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐸/𝐸2 ) + 𝑃(𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐸/𝐸3 )
5 1
10 × 100 5 5
= = =
5 1 3 5 2 7 5 + 15 + 14 34
10 × 100 + 10 × 100 + 10 × 100

43. An insurance company insured 3000 cyclists, 6000 scooter drivers and 9000 car drivers.
The probability of an accident involving a cyclist, a scooter driver and a car driver are
0.3, 0.05 and 0.02 respectively. One of the insured persons meets with an accident. What
is the probability that he is a cyclist?
[CBSE 2019]
Solution

Total number of persons insured = 3000 + 6000 + 9000 = 18000

25
Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 and 𝐸3 be the event that the person is a cyclist, a scooter driver and a car driver respectively.
3000 1 6000 1
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = =
18000 6 18000 3
9000 1
and 𝑃(𝐸3 ) = =
18000 2
Let 𝐸 be the event that insured person meets with an accident.

∴ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸1 ) = 0.3, 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸2 ) = 0.05, 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸3 ) = 0.02

By Bayes' theorem,
∴ Required probability

𝑃(𝐸/𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸1 )
=
𝑃(𝐸/𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸2 ) + 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐸3 )

1
0.3 × 6
=
1 1 1
0.3 × 6 + 0.05 × 3 + 0.02 × 2

0.3
6 0.3 15
= = = .
0.3 + 0.1 + 0.06 0.46 23
6

44. In a factory which manufactures bolts, machines A, B and C manufacture respectively

30%, 50% and 20% of the bolts. Of their outputs 3, 4 and 1 percent respectively are
defective bolts. A bolt is drawn at random from the product and is found to be defective.
Find the probability that this is not manufactured by machine B.
[CBSE 2015]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , 𝐸3 and 𝐸 be the events as follows:

𝐸1 : The bolt is manufactured by the machine 𝐴
𝐸2 : The bolt is manufactured by the machine 𝐵
𝐸3 : The bolt is manufactured by the machine 𝐶
𝐸 : The bolt is defective.
30 3 50 5
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = = ; 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = = ;
100 10 100 10

20 2
𝑃(𝐸3 ) = =
100 10
3 4 1
𝑃(𝐸/𝐸1 ) = ; 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸2 ) = ; 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸3 ) =
100 100 100

We find : 𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐸) (i.e., Bolt is defective and it is manufactured by machine 𝐵)

26
 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸2 )
𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐸) =
∑3𝑖=1
𝑃(𝐸𝑖 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐸𝑖 )
5 4
⋅ 20 20
= 10 100 = =
3 3 5 4 2 1 9 + 20 + 2 31
⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅
10 100 10 100 10 100

∴ Required probability = The probability that bolt is defective and not manufactured by machine 𝐵.

20 11
= 1 − 𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐸) = 1 − = .
31 31

45. In answering a question on a multiple choice test, a student either knows the answer or
3 2
guesses. Let 5 be the probability that he knows the answer and 5 be the probability that he

guesses. Assuming that a student who guesses the answer will be correct with probability
1
, what is the probability that the student knows the answer given that he answered it
3

correctly?
[CBSE 2015C]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 and 𝐴 be the events defined as follows:

𝐸1 : The student knows the answer
𝐸2 : The student guesses the answer
𝐴 : The student answers correctly
3 2
We have, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 5 , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 5
1
Also, 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = and 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = 1
3
∴ Required probability
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )
= 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐴) =
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
3
⋅1 3×3 9
= 5 = = .
3 2 1
⋅ 1 + ⋅ 3 3 × 3 + 2 11
5 5

46. A card from a pack of 52 playing cards is lost. From the remaining cards of the pack
three cards are drawn at random (without replacement) and are found to be all spades.
Find the probability of the lost card being a spade.
[CBSE 2014]

27
 Solution

Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , 𝐸3 , 𝐸4 and 𝐴 be the events defined as below:

𝐸1 : Missing card is a card of heart.
𝐸2 : Missing card is a card of spade.
𝐸3 : Missing card is a card of club.
𝐸4 : Missing card is a card of diamond.
𝐴 : Drawing three spade cards from the remaining cards.
13 1
Now, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = 𝑃(𝐸3 ) = 𝑃(𝐸4 ) = 52 = 4

12
𝐶3
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = 11 𝐶
3
13
𝐶3
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 ) = 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸4 ) = 51 𝐶
3
∴ Required probability = 𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐴)
𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
=
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐸2 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐸3 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸4 )𝑃(𝐸4 )

∴ Required probability = 𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐴)

𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
=
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐸2 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐸3 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸4 )𝑃(𝐸4 )

1 12 𝐶3
×
4 51 𝐶3
=
1 13 𝐶3 1 12 𝐶3 1 13 𝐶3 1 13 𝐶
3
× + × + × + ×
4 51 𝐶3 4 51 𝐶3 4 51 𝐶3 4 51 𝐶
3
220 220 10
= = =
286 + 220 + 286 + 286 1078 49

47. There are three coins. One is a two-headed coin (having head on both faces), another is a
biased coin that comes up heads 75% of the times and third is also a biased coin that
comes up tails 40% of the times. One of the three coins is chosen at random and tossed,
and it shows head. What is the probability that it was the two-headed coin?
[CBSE 2014]
Solution

Let 𝐴 be the two-headed coin, 𝐵 be the biased coin showing up heads 75% of the times and 𝐶 be
the biased coin showing up tails 40% (i.e., showing up heads 60% ) of the times.
Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 and 𝐸3 be the events of choosing coins of the type 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 respectively. Let 𝑆 be the
event of getting a head. Then

28
 1 1 1
𝑃(𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸3 ) =
3 3 3
75 3
𝑃(𝑆/𝐸1 ) = 1, 𝑃(𝑆/𝐸2 ) = = ,
100 4
60 3
𝑃(𝑆/𝐸3 ) = =
100 5
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝑆/𝐸1 )
∴ Required probability = 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝑆) =
∑3𝑖=1
𝑃(𝐸𝑖 ) ⋅ 𝑃(𝑆/𝐸𝑖 )
1
= 3⋅1 =
20
=
20
1 1 3 1 3 20 + 15 + 12 47
3⋅1+3⋅4+3⋅5

48. An insurance company insured 2000 scooter drivers, 4000 car drivers and 6000 truck
drivers. The probability of an accident for them are 0.01, 0.03 and 0.15 respectively. One
of the insured persons meets with an accident. What is the probability that he is a scooter
driver or a car driver?
[CBSE 2014]
Solution

Let the events are defined as

𝐸1 : Person is a scooter driver
𝐸2 : Person is a car driver
𝐸3 : Person is a truck driver
𝐴 : Person meets with an accident.
2000 1 4000 2
Then, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) = = ,
12000 6 12000 6
6000 3
𝑃(𝐸3 ) = 12000
= 6
.
1 3
Also, 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = 0.01 = , 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = 0.03 =
100 100
15
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 ) = 0.15 = .
100
∴ Required probability = 1 − 𝑃( the person who meets with accident is a truck driver)
i.e., Required probability = 1 − 𝑃(𝐸3 /𝐴)
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐸3 )
=1−
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐸2 ) + 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸3 )𝑃(𝐸3 )
15 3
100 ×6 45
=1− =1−
1 1 3 2 15 3 1 + 6 + 45
100 × 6 + 100 × 6 + 100 × 6
45 7
=1− = .
52 52

29
 49. A man is known to speak the truth 3 out of 5 times. He throws a die and reports that it is
'1. Find the probability that it is actually 1.
[CBSE 2014C]
Solution

Let 𝐸1 be the event that ' 1 ' occurs, 𝐸2 be the event that ' 1 ' does not occur and 𝐴 be the event that
the man reports that it is ' 6 '.
1 5
∴ 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = , 𝑃(𝐸2 ) =
6 6
𝐴
Now, 𝑃 (𝐸 ) be the probability that the man reports that there is ' 1 ' on the die and ' 1 ' actually occurs.
1
𝐴
So, 𝑃( ) = Probability that the man speaks the truth
𝐸1

3
=
5
𝐴
And 𝑃 (𝐸 ) be the probability that the man reports that there is ' 1 ' when actually ' 1 ' does not occur.
2

𝐴 3 2
So, 𝑃 ( ) = probability that man does not speak the truth = 1 − = .
𝐸2 5 5

𝐸1
∴ Required probability = 𝑃 ( )
𝐴
𝐴 1 3
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃 (𝐸 )
= 1
= 6×5 =
3
.
𝐴 𝐴 1 3 5 2 13
𝑃(𝐸1 ) ⋅ 𝑃 ( ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) ⋅ 𝑃 ( ) × + ×
𝐸1 𝐸2 6 5 6 5

50. An urn contains 4 balls. Two balls are drawn at random from the urn (without
replacement) and are found to be white. What is the probability that all the four balls in
the urn are white?
[CBSE 2014 C]
Solution

Consider the following events.

𝐸 : Two balls drawn are white
𝐴 : There are 2 white balls in the bag
𝐵 : There are 3 white balls in the bag
𝐶 : There are 4 white balls in the bag
1
𝑃(𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐶) =
3

30
 2 3
𝐶2 1 𝐶2 3 1
𝑃(𝐸/𝐴) = 4𝐶
= , 𝑃(𝐸/𝐵) = 4
= =
2 6 𝐶2 6 2
4
𝐶2
𝑃(𝐸/𝐶) = 4 = 1
𝐶2
𝑃(𝐶) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐶)
∴ 𝑃(𝐶/𝐸) =
𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐵) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐵) + 𝑃(𝐶) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐶)
1
= 3×1 =
3
1 1 1 1 1 5
3×6+3×2+3×1

51. Assume that the chances of a patient having a heart attack is 40%. Assuming that a
meditation and yoga course reduces the risk of heart attack by 30% and prescription of
certain drug reduces its chance by 25%. At a time a patient can choose any one of the two
options with equal probabilities, It is given that after going through one of the two
options, the patient selected at random suffers a heart attack. Find the probability that the
patient followed a course of meditation and yoga. Interpret the result and state which of
the above stated methods is more beneficial for the patient.
[CBSE 2013]
Solution

Let 𝐴, 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 respectively be the events that a person has a heart attack, the selected person
followed the course of yoga and meditation and the person adopted the drug prescription.
40 1
𝑃(𝐴) = = 0.40, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 𝑃(𝐸2 ) =
100 2
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) = 0.40 × 0.70 = 0.28,
𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 ) = 0.40 × 0.75 = 0.30

Probability that the patient suffering from heart attack followed the course of meditation and yoga is

𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )
𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐴) =
𝑃(𝐸1 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
1
= 2 × 0.28 =
0.14
=
14
1 1
× 0.28 + × 0.30 0.14 + 0.15 29
2 2
𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )
Now, 𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐸
1 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸1 )+𝑃(𝐸2 )𝑃(𝐴/𝐸2 )

31
 1
= 2 × 0.30 =
0.15
=
15
1 1 0.14 + 0.15 29
2 × 0.28 + 2 × 0.30

Since 𝑃(𝐸1 /𝐴) < 𝑃(𝐸2 /𝐴). So, the course of yoga and meditation is more beneficial for a person having
heart attack.

52. In a group of 400 people, 160 are smokers and non- vegetarian, 100 are smokers and
vegetarian and the remaining are non-smokers and vegetarian. The probabilities of
getting a special chest disease are 35%, 20% and 10% respectively. A person is chosen
from the group at random and is found to be suffering from the disease. What is the
probability that the selected person is a smoker and non-vegetarian? What value is
reflected in this question?
[CBSE 2013C]
Solution

Let 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 and 𝐸 are respectively the events that a person is smoker and non-vegetarian, smoker and
vegetarian, non-smoker and vegetarian, and the selected person is suffering from the disease.
Here, 𝑛(𝐴) = 160, 𝑛(𝐵) = 100,
𝑛(𝐶) = 400 − (160 + 100) = 140.
160 100 140
Also, 𝑃(𝐴) = , 𝑃(𝐵) = , 𝑃(𝐶) =
400 400 400
35 20 10
and 𝑃(𝐸/𝐴) = , 𝑃(𝐸/𝐵) = , 𝑃(𝐸/𝐶) =
100 100 100
∴ Required probability

𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐴)
= 𝑃(𝐴/𝐸) =
𝑃(𝐴) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐵) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐵) + 𝑃(𝐶) ⋅ 𝑃(𝐸/𝐶)

160 35
= 400 × 100
160 35 100 20 140 10
400 × 100 + 400 × 100 + 400 × 100
5600 5600 28
= = =
5600 + 2000 + 1400 9000 45

The value reflected in this question is that being nonvegetarian and smokers has more chances of
suffering from disease.

32
 53. Assume that the chances of a patient having a heart attack are 50%. Assume that a
meditation and yoga course reduces the risk of heart attack by 30% and the prescription
of certain drugs and certain restrictions reduces the risk by 25%. At a time a patient
chooses only one of the two options with equal probabilities. After going through one of
the two options, the patient selected at random suffers a heart attack. Find the probability
that the patient followed a course of meditation and yoga. What values are reflected in
this question?
[CBSE 2013C]
Solution

Let 𝐴, 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 respectively be the events that a person has a heart attack, the selected person
followed the course of yoga and meditation and the person adopted the drug prescription.

50 1
𝑃(𝐴) = = 0.50, 𝑃(𝐸1 ) = 𝑃(𝐸2 ) =
100 2
𝐴
𝑃( ) = 0.50 × 0.70 = 0.35
𝐸1
𝐴
𝑃 ( ) = 0.50 × 0.75 = 0.375
𝐸2

Probability that the patient suffering from heart attack followed the course of meditation and yoga is

𝐴
𝐸1 𝑃(𝐸1 ) × 𝑃 (𝐸 )
1
𝑃( ) =
𝐴 𝐴 𝐴
𝑃(𝐸1 ) × 𝑃 (𝐸 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) × 𝑃 (𝐸 )
1 2
1
× 0.35 0.175 14
= 2 = = .
1 1 0.175 + 0.1875 29
2 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.375
𝐴
𝐸2 𝑃(𝐸2 ) × 𝑃 (𝐸 )
2
Now, 𝑃 ( ) =
𝐴 𝐴 𝐴
𝑃(𝐸1 ) × 𝑃 (𝐸 ) + 𝑃(𝐸2 ) × 𝑃 (𝐸 )
1 2
1
= 2 × 0.375 =
0.1875
=
15
.
1 1 0.175 + 0.1875 29
2 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.375
𝐸 𝐸
Since, 𝑃 ( 𝐴1 ) < 𝑃 ( 𝐴2 ). So the course of yoga and meditation is more reflected for a person having heart
attack.

*****

33