Combining probabilities

There are 23 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Combining probabilities
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?
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?
Molecular sequencer
problem

Molecular sequencer

Age
14 to 18
Challenge level
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Investigate the molecular masses in this sequence of molecules and deduce which molecule has been analysed in the mass spectrometer.
Dicey Decisions
problem

Dicey decisions

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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Can you devise a fair scoring system when dice land edge-up or corner-up?
Squash
problem

Squash

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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If the score is 8-8 do I have more chance of winning if the winner is the first to reach 9 points or the first to reach 10 points?