Multiple choice

A purse contains 4 copper and 3 silver coins and another purse contains 6 copper and 2 silver coins. One coin is drawn from any one of the two purses. Find the probability that it is a copper coin.

  1. 4 7

  2. 3 7

  3. 27 56

  4. 37 56

  5. None of these

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

The probability of picking a copper coin is the average of the probabilities from each purse, assuming each purse is equally likely to be chosen. Purse 1 has 4/7 copper, and Purse 2 has 6/8 (or 3/4) copper. The calculation is (1/2 * 4/7) + (1/2 * 3/4) = 2/7 + 3/8 = (16+21)/56 = 37/56.

AI explanation

Using the total probability theorem, we calculate the likelihood of drawing a copper coin from either purse by adding the individual probabilities of choosing each purse and drawing a copper coin. The probability of selecting the first purse and then a copper coin from it is 1/2 multiplied by 4/7, which equals 4/14 or 16/56. The probability of selecting the second purse and drawing a copper coin is 1/2 multiplied by 6/8, which equals 6/16 or 3/8, equivalent to 21/56. Adding these two probabilities gives 16/56 plus 21/56, resulting in a final probability of 37/56.