Multiple choice

Three coins are tossed simultaneously. What is the probability that head and tail show alternately. (i.e., HTH or THT)?

  1. $\dfrac{3}{8}$
  2. $\dfrac{1}{4}$
  3. $\dfrac{1}{8}$
  4. $\dfrac{1}{2}$
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B Correct answer
Explanation

Total outcomes for tossing 3 coins are 2^3 = 8. Favorable outcomes (HTH, THT) are 2. Probability = 2/8 = 1/4.

AI explanation

When three coins are tossed, the total number of possible outcomes in the sample space is 2 raised to the power of 3, which equals 8 outcomes. The favorable outcomes for alternating heads and tails are exactly HTH and THT. By dividing the 2 favorable outcomes by the 8 total outcomes, the probability is 1 divided by 4.

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