/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 13 In a horse race, the odds that R... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

In a horse race, the odds that Romance will win are listed as 2: 3 and that Downhill will win are 1: 2 . What odds should be given for the event that either Romance or Downhill wins?

Short Answer

Expert verified
3:2

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Odds

Odds of 2:3 for Romance winning means for every 2 times Romance wins, it loses 3 times. Thus, the probability of Romance winning is \( \frac{2}{2+3} = \frac{2}{5} \). Similarly, odds of 1:2 for Downhill winning means the probability of Downhill winning is \( \frac{1}{1+2} = \frac{1}{3} \).
02

Calculating Total Probability

To find the probability that either Romance or Downhill wins, consider them as two independent events. The probability that either wins is given by \( P(R ext{ or } D) = P(R) + P(D) - P(R)P(D) \). Substitute the probabilities: \( P(R ext{ or } D) = \frac{2}{5} + \frac{1}{3} - \left(\frac{2}{5} \times \frac{1}{3}\right) \).
03

Simplifying the Equation

First, find a common denominator for \( \frac{2}{5} \) and \( \frac{1}{3} \), which is 15. Rewrite: \( \frac{6}{15} + \frac{5}{15} - \left(\frac{2}{15}\right) \).
04

Solving the Combined Probability

Combine the fractions: \( \frac{6}{15} + \frac{5}{15} = \frac{11}{15} \). Now, subtract the intersection: \( \frac{11}{15} - \frac{2}{15} = \frac{9}{15} \), which simplifies to \( \frac{3}{5} \).
05

Converting Probability to Odds

We have \( \frac{3}{5} \) as the total probability for either Romance or Downhill winning. The odds in favor are \( \text{wins : total events - wins} \) which equals \( 3 : (5 - 3) = 3:2 \).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Odds
Odds are a way of expressing the likelihood of an event occurring. They are typically presented in the form "x:y", where "x" represents the number of successful outcomes, and "y" represents the number of unsuccessful outcomes. For instance, if the odds for a horse named Romance winning a race are 2:3, it means for every 2 times Romance wins, it doesn't win 3 times. This relationship helps us convert odds into a more standard probability format.
  • Calculate the probability by summing the odds: add the two parts of the odds ratio together. For 2:3, this sum is 5.
  • Then, determine the probability of the event by dividing the winning part by this total: hence, the probability Romance wins is \( \frac{2}{5} \).
Understanding this conversion is essential when combining probabilities from multiple, independent events like in a horse race.
Probability Calculation
Calculating probabilities involves breaking down complex problems into more straightforward steps. When you have multiple independent events, like Romance or Downhill winning, you need to calculate their combined probability.
To find the probability that either Romance or Downhill wins, treat them as independent. The formula used is:\[ P(R \text{ or } D) = P(R) + P(D) - P(R)P(D) \]This equation accounts for both events occurring independently.
  • First, calculate each individual probability from their given odds.
  • Then, use the addition rule for independent events which subtracts the probability of both occurring together, as it gets double-counted.
  • Substitute the probabilities known from odds: Romance’s \( \frac{2}{5} \) and Downhill’s \( \frac{1}{3} \).
Calculate the fractions with a common denominator to ensure the math is straightforward and accurate. Combine and simplify the fractions to get the final probability that either Romance or Downhill will win.
Independent Events
When handling independent events, it's crucial to understand how their probabilities interact. Independent events are scenarios where the outcome of one event does not affect the other. In our horse race example, Romance winning does not change the probability of Downhill winning.
  • Recognize the independence by identifying there is no overlap in their outcomes.
  • Use the probability formula for independent events to find the combined probability.
  • Subtract the chance both occur simultaneously — calculated as the product of their probabilities — to prevent overestimating the odds.

    • By appreciating the role of independent events, you ensure precise probability calculations, reflecting the true chance of at least one occurring. This knowledge is foundational in probability theory, providing clarity in numerous real-world scenarios, from predicting races to assessing risks in various fields.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Math Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.