A biased coin with probability p, 0 < p < 1, of heads is tossed until a head appears for the first time. If the probability that the number of tosses required is even, is 2/5, then p is equal to

Solution :

Let the probability of getting a head be p and not getting a head be q.

Since, head appears first time in an even throw 2 or 4 or 6.

\(\therefore\)   \(2\over 5\) = qp + \(q^3\)p + \(q^5\)p + ……

\(\implies\)  \(2\over 5\) = \(qp\over {1 – q^2}\)

Since q = 1- p

\(\implies\)  \(2\over 5\) = \((1 – p)p\over {1 – (1 – p)^2}\)

\(\implies\)  \(2\over 5\) = \((1 – p)\over {2 – p}\)

\(\implies\)  4 – 2p = 5 – 5p

\(\implies\)  p =\(1\over 3\)


Similar Questions

The probability of India winning a test match against the west indies is 1/2 assuming independence from match to match. The probability that in a match series India’s second win occurs at the third test is

A fair die is tossed eight times. The probability that a third six is observed on the eight throw, is

If A and B are two mutually exclusive events, then

A and B play a game, where each is asked to select a number from 1 to 25. If the two numbers match, both of them win a prize. The probability that they will not win a prize in a single trial is

A problem in mathematics is given to three students A, B, C and their respective probability of solving the problem is \(1\over 2\), \(1\over 3\) and \(1\over 4\). Probability that the problem is solved is

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *