The probabilities that Kofi, Kwasi and Ama will pass a certain examination are \(\frac{9}{10}, \frac{4}{5}\) and x respectively. If the probability that onl...

Answer Details

Let the passing probabilities be \(P(K)=\dfrac{9}{10},\ P(W)=\dfrac{4}{5},\ P(A)=x,\) with failing probabilities \(\dfrac{1}{10},\ \dfrac{1}{5},\ (1-x)\) respectively.

(a) Value of x. "Only one passes" means exactly one of the three succeeds while the other two fail:

\[P(\text{only one})=\underbrace{\tfrac{9}{10}\cdot\tfrac{1}{5}\cdot(1-x)}_{K\text{ only}}+\underbrace{\tfrac{1}{10}\cdot\tfrac{4}{5}\cdot(1-x)}_{W\text{ only}}+\underbrace{\tfrac{1}{10}\cdot\tfrac{1}{5}\cdot x}_{A\text{ only}}.\]

\[=\frac{9}{50}(1-x)+\frac{4}{50}(1-x)+\frac{1}{50}x=\frac{13(1-x)+x}{50}=\frac{13-12x}{50}.\]

Set equal to \(\dfrac{9}{50}:\)

\[13-12x=9\Rightarrow 12x=4\Rightarrow x=\frac{1}{3}.\]

(b) Probability that at least one passes. Use the complement (none pass). With \(P(A)=\dfrac13,\) failing \(A=\dfrac23:\)

\[P(\text{none})=\frac{1}{10}\cdot\frac{1}{5}\cdot\frac{2}{3}=\frac{2}{150}=\frac{1}{75}.\]

\[P(\text{at least one})=1-\frac{1}{75}=\frac{74}{75}.\]