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Winning Chance (Posted on 2013-04-24) Difficulty: 2 of 5
Gambler A chooses a series of three possible outcomes from successive throws of a die, depending simply on whether the number thrown each time is odd (O) or even (E).

Gambler B then chooses a different series of three successive possible outcomes. The die is then thrown as often as necessary until either gambler's chosen series of outcomes occurs.

For example, Gambler A might choose the series EOE and B might choose OEE. If successive throws gave, say, EEOOEOE, then A would win the game after the seventh throw. Had the sixth throw been E rather than O, then B would have won.

A has chosen the series EEE; and B, who was thinking of choosing OEE, changes his mind to OOO. Has B reduced his chance of winning the game, has he increased his chance of winning the game, or is it still the same? Provide sufficient reason for your assertion.

  Submitted by K Sengupta    
Rating: 5.0000 (1 votes)
Solution: (Hide)
By changing to OOO, B has made the odds 50-50 as we can see the probability of each one is 1/2 by symmetry.

If B had stuck with OEE, he would have had a better chance of winning.

For an explanation, refer to the solution submitted by Charlie in this location.

Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
re: SolutionCharlie2013-04-24 12:24:18
SolutionsolutionCharlie2013-04-24 12:22:59
SolutionJer2013-04-24 12:17:02
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