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Racing Odds

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level


An elephant, a hippopotamus and a rhinoceros are entered for a race. The odds for the rhinoceros and the hippopotamus are:
2 to 1 against the rhinoceros winning and

3 to 2 against the hippopotamus winning.

What are the odds against the elephant winning if the race?

Editor's note: The hint explains 2 to 1 against in fractional form

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.
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