Mathematics 4024 · O Level · Probability of combined events

Probability of combined events — practice question

A bag has 36 balls altogether. There are $n$ red balls inside it. Every remaining ball is green. Esther draws two balls from the bag at random, without replacement.
(a)[2]

Complete the tree diagram below.

(b)[1]

Write an expression, in terms of $n$, that gives the probability that Esther’s first ball is red and her second ball is green.

(c)[2]

The probability that Esther’s first ball is red and her second ball is green is $\frac{1}{7}$. Show that $n^2 - 36n + 180 = 0$.

(d)[2]

Solve the equation $n^2 - 36n + 180 = 0$. Show all your working.

(e)[3]

There are more green balls than red balls in the bag. Find the probability that Esther takes two green balls. Give your answer as a fraction in its lowest terms.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $\frac{n}{35}$ positioned correctly

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