Probability of Drawing Red Jelly Beans

Probability of Drawing Red Jelly Beans from a Jar

In this article, we explore the probability of drawing three red jelly beans from a jar containing three red, four orange, and seven yellow jelly beans. We will calculate the probability both with and without replacing the jelly beans after each draw.

Calculation with Replacement

If the jelly beans are replaced after each draw, the probability of drawing a red jelly bean remains the same for each draw.

Step-by-Step Calculation:

Step 1: Calculate the total number of jelly beans

3 red jelly beans 4 orange jelly beans 7 yellow jelly beans

Total jelly beans: 3 4 7 14

Step 2: Calculate the probability of drawing a red jelly bean in each draw

First draw: 3/14 Second draw: 3/14 (since the jelly bean is replaced) Third draw: 3/14 (since the jelly bean is replaced)

Step 3: Calculate the combined probability

Combined probability: (3/14) * (3/14) * (3/14) 27/2744

As a percentage: 27/2744 * 100 ≈ 0.98%
That is, there is approximately a 0.98% chance of drawing three red jelly beans with replacement.

Calculation without Replacement

If the jelly beans are not replaced after each draw, the probability of drawing a red jelly bean changes with each draw.

Step-by-Step Calculation:

Step 1: Calculate the probability of drawing a red jelly bean in the first draw

First draw: 3/14

Step 2: Calculate the probability of drawing a red jelly bean in the second draw

Second draw: 2/13 (since one red jelly bean has been removed)

Step 3: Calculate the probability of drawing a red jelly bean in the third draw

Third draw: 1/12 (since two red jelly beans have been removed)

Step 4: Calculate the combined probability

Combined probability: (3/14) * (2/13) * (1/12) 1/364

As a percentage: 1/364 * 100 ≈ 0.3%
That is, there is approximately a 0.3% chance of drawing three red jelly beans without replacement.

Combining Probability Concepts

The probability of drawing three red jelly beans from a jar can be calculated using different methods, but the underlying principles are the same. With replacement, each draw is independent, and without replacement, the probability changes after each draw.

For a jar with 14 jelly beans (3 red, 4 orange, 7 yellow), the total number of ways to draw 3 jelly beans is given by:

{14 choose 3} 364 ways.

Out of these 364 combinations, only one combination results in drawing all three red jelly beans. Therefore, the probability of randomly drawing all three red jelly beans is:

1/364

Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving similar probability problems and for effective SEO optimization of related content.

The article covers not only the math behind the calculations but also the practical implications of different scenarios and the importance of clear explanations for readers. Ensuring such content on a website can significantly enhance its SEO performance and user engagement.