Multiple choice

A bag contains 9 Red and 7 Pink balls. There is another bag which contains 8 Red and 11 Pink balls. One ball is to be drawn from either of the two bags. What is the probability of drawing a Pink ball?

  1. 309/608

  2. 308/609

  3. 208/609

  4. 209/608

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Total balls = 9+7+8+11 = 35. Pink balls = 7+11 = 18. Probability = 18/35. However, the question says one ball is drawn from EITHER bag, meaning we first choose a bag (probability 1/2 each), then draw a ball. If we choose bag 1, P(pink) = 7/16. If we choose bag 2, P(pink) = 11/19. Total P = (1/2)(7/16) + (1/2)(11/19) = 7/32 + 11/38 = (7×19 + 11×16)/(32×19) = (133 + 176)/608 = 309/608. This matches option A.