When three friends go for coffee, they decide who will pay the check by each flipping a coin and then letting the “odd person” pay. If all three flips produce the same result (so that there is no odd person), then they make a second round of flips, and they continue to do so until there is an odd person. What is the probability that

  1. exactly 3rounds of flips are made?
  2. more than 4rounds are needed?

Short Answer

Expert verified
  1. P=0.046875
  2. P(x>4)=0.00390625

Step by step solution

01

Given Information (Part a)

Three friends decide to flip coin and pay the bill.

If all three flips produce the same result hen they make a second round of flips, and they continue to do so until there is an odd person.

We have to find that what is the probability exactly 3 rounds of flips are made.

02

Explanation (Part a)

It is easily seen that probability to have a successful round is p=0.75.

Let X~G(0.75)

Therefore,

P(x=3)=0.252×0.75

=0.046875

03

Final Answer (Part a)

The probability that exactly 3rounds of flips are made is 0.046875

04

Given information (Part b)

Three friends decide to flip coin and pay the bill.

If all three flips produce the same result hen they make a second round of flips, and they continue to do so until there is an odd person.

We have to find what is the probability that more than 4rounds are needed?

05

Explanation (Part b)

More than 4rounds

p(x>4)=1p(x4)

=110.254

=0.254

Therefore, the probability that more than 4rounds are needed:P(x>4)=0.00390625

06

Final Answer (Part b)

The probability that more than 4rounds are needed:0.00390625

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