In a science experiment, a mouse is placed in a labyrinth with two different treats hidden in it. What is the probability that the mouse will find neither of the treats?(1) The probability that the mouse will find only one of the two treats is \(\frac{1}{5}\)
(2) The probability that the mouse will find both treats is \(\frac{3}{10}\)
Solution: Let's denote
P(A) as the probability that the mouse will find treat A
P(B) as the probability that the mouse will find treat B
P(A∪B) as the probability that the mouse will find at least one treat
P(A∩B) as the probability that the mouse will find both treats
We need to find the probability that the mouse will not find either treat A or treat B.P(neither A nor B) = 1 - P(A∪B)
So we need the value of P(A∪B)
Statement 1: The probability that the mouse will find only one of the two treats is \(\frac{1}{5}\)This means, P(only one treat) = \(\frac{1}{5}\)
But P(only one treat) = P(A∪B) - P(A∩B)
P(A∪B) = P(A∩B) + \(\frac{1}{5}\)
We don't know P(A∩B)
INSUFFICIENTStatement 2: The probability that the mouse will find both treats is 3/10
This means, P(A∩B) = \(\frac{3}{10}\)
As we know, P(A∪B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A∩B)
P(A∪B) = P(A) + P(B) - \(\frac{3}{10}\)
We don't know P(A) or P(B)
INSUFFICIENTCombining statements 1 & 2
P(A∪B) = P(A∩B) + P(only one treat)
P(A∪B) = \(\frac{3}{10}\) + \(\frac{1}{5}\)
P(A∪B) = \(\frac{1}{2}\)
Thus, P(neither A nor B) = 1 - P(A∪B)
P(neither A nor B) = 1 - \(\frac{1}{2}\)
P(neither A nor B) = \(\frac{1}{2}\)
SUFFICIENTThe correct answer is Option C