Mrs. Phillips has 10 identical cans without labels. She knows that she had 1 can of peas, 5 cans of corn, 1 can of carrots, and 3 cans of beets. She opens one can. What is the probability it is carrots?Corn or beets?

1 Answer
EZ as pi
Feb 27, 2017

#P("carrots") = 1/10#

#P("corn or beets") = 8/10 = 4/5#

Explanation:

The formula to determine the probability of an event occurring is:

#"the number of desirable outcomes"/"total number of possible outcomes"#

Only 1 of the 10 identical cans are carrots.

#P("carrots") = 1/10#

There are 8 cans which have corn or beets.

#P("corn or beets") = 8/10 = 4/5#

Notice that, when options are available, "OR" increases the probability. In this case, if the lady is equally happy to open a can of beet or corn, there are 8 tins which will meet this requriement.

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