WAEC - Mathematics (1998 - No. 31)

A box contain 2 white and 3 blue identical balls. If two balls are picked at random, one after the other, without replacement, what is the probability of picking two balls of different colours?
\(\frac{5}{25}\)
\(\frac{7}{20}\)
\(\frac{3}{5}\)
\(\frac{2}{3}\)
\(\frac{5}{6}\)

Explanation

Balls were picked without replacement

n( white balls) = 2,  n( black balls ) = 3 

Total Balls = 2 + 3 = 5 balls

Pr( two balls of different colours ) = WB OR BW

  = \(\frac{2}{5} \times \frac{3}{4} + \frac{3}{5} \times \frac{2}{4}\)

  =  \(\frac{6}{20} + \frac{6}{20}\) = \(\frac{12}{20}\) = \(\frac{3}{5}\)

 

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