A game consists of 5 cups turned upside down, under one of the cups is a prize. 5 friend's pick a cup in turn and lifts it up, if they get the prize, they win , but if not, the cup is removed and the next friend picks. What position is it best to pick?

The first friend to choose has 5 cups to pick from and only 1 that will win them the prize, so their probability of winning is 1/5.The 2nd friend relies on the first friend to not win, this with a probability of 4/5, and also for them to pick the winning cup, a probability of 1/4. As both of these events have to occur we need to multiply the probabilities to get 4/5 x 1/4 = 1/5.Similarly for the 3rd player, they require both 2 previous players to 'lose' and them to win, with probability 4/5 x 3/4 x 2/3 = 1/5This argument applies for both other players.Therefore, all friends have probability 1/5 of winning the prize, and therefore it does not matter what position you pick a cup in.Extensions: What if there are n friends and n cups? What is there are 5cups, 5 friends but now 2 prizes?

Answered by Alex M. Maths tutor

1538 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A ladder 6·8m long is leaning against a wall. The foot of the ladder is 1·5m from the wall. Calculate the distance the ladder reaches up the wall.


How to convert a recurring decimal into fraction


Rearrange, 5(a + b)= 2ab , to make 'a' the subject


x is inversely proportional to P. When P = 6, x =2. What does x = when P = 4?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy