Combining probabilities

There are 23 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Combining probabilities
Put Out
problem
Favourite

Put out

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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After transferring balls back and forth between two bags the probability of selecting a green ball from bag 2 is 3/5. How many green balls were in bag 2 at the outset?
The Better Choice
problem
Favourite

The better choice

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Here are two games you can play. Which offers the better chance of winning?
Same Number!
problem
Favourite

Same number!

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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If everyone in your class picked a number from 1 to 225, do you think any two people would pick the same number?
At least one...
problem
Favourite

At least one...

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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Imagine flipping a coin a number of times. Can you work out the probability you will get a head on at least one of the flips?

Knock-out
problem
Favourite

Knock-out

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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Before a knockout tournament with 2^n players I pick two players. What is the probability that they have to play against each other at some point in the tournament?
Snooker Frames
problem
Favourite

Snooker frames

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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It is believed that weaker snooker players have a better chance of winning matches over eleven frames (i.e. first to win 6 frames) than they do over fifteen frames. Is this true?
Gambling at Monte Carlo
problem

Gambling at monte carlo

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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A man went to Monte Carlo to try and make his fortune. Is his strategy a winning one?
Marbles and Bags
problem

Marbles and bags

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Two bags contain different numbers of red and blue marbles. A marble is removed from one of the bags. The marble is blue. What is the probability that it was removed from bag A?
Win or Lose?
problem

Win or lose?

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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A gambler bets half the money in his pocket on the toss of a coin, winning an equal amount for a head and losing his money if the result is a tail. After 2n plays he has won exactly n times. Has he more money than he started with?