In Exercises 15–20, assume that random guesses are made for eight multiple choice questions on an SAT test, so that there are n = 8 trials, each with probability of success (correct) given by p = 0.20. Find the indicated probability for the number of correct answers.

Find the probability of no correct answers.

A set of eight multiple-choice questions are answered in the SAT. The probability of a correct answer is given to be equal to 0.20.

Let X denote the number of correct answers.

Thus, the number of trials (n) is given to be equal to eight.

The probability of success (getting a correct answer) is p= 0.20.

The probability of failure (getting a wrong answer) is calculated below:

$$\begin{gathered} q=1-p \\ =1-0.20 \\ =0.80 \end{gathered}$$

The number of successes required in eight trials should be x=0.

The binomial probability formula is as follows:

$P\left(X=x\right)={}^n{C}_x{\left(p\right)}^x{\left(q\right)}^{n-x}$

By using the binomial probability formula, the probability of getting no correct answer is computed below:

$$\begin{gathered} P\left(X=0\right)={}^8{C}_0{\left(0.20\right)}^0{\left(0.80\right)}^{8-0} \\ =\frac{8!}{0!\left(8-0\right)!}\times \left(0.20\right)\times {\left(0.80\right)}^8 \\ =0.167772 \\ \approx 0.168 \end{gathered}$$

Therefore, the probability of getting no correct answers is equal to 0.168.