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View Full Version : Probability problems, or: SOS!


Aimee-Dame
Jun 23, 2009, 10:30 PM
Can you help me with the steps to solve a problem like this?

I feel like this is Martian-Speak to me! Thanks.

At a community swimming pool for example, there are 2 managers, 8 lifeguards, 3 concession stand clerks and 2 maintenance people. If a person is selected at random, find the probability that the person is either a lifeguard or a manager.
Thanks for your help.

Perito
Jun 24, 2009, 04:28 AM
At a community swimming pool for example, there are 2 managers, 8 lifeguards, 3 concession stand clerks and 2 maintenance people. If a person is selected at random, find the probability that the person is either a lifeguard or a manager.


2-Manager
8-Lifeguards
3-Clerks
2-Maintenance (Janitor)

15 total people.

There are 8 lifeguards and 2 managers, so there are 10 ways to select either a lifeguard or manager.

Probability\,of\,selecting\,lifeguard\,or\,manager = \frac {10}{15} = \frac 23

To follow up on this a bit more, the probability of selecting a lifeguard (only) is 8/15. The probability of selecting a manager is 2/15, the probability of selecting a clerk is 3/15; the probability of selecting a janitor is 2/15. The probability of selecting a manager, lifeguard, clerk, or janitor \frac {2+8+3+2}{15} = 1, as it has to be.