BTGmoderatorDC wrote: ↑Wed Jan 15, 2020 5:03 pm
Kate and Danny each have $10. Together, they flip a fair coin 5 times. Every time the coin lands on heads, Kate gives Danny $1. Every time the coin lands on tails, Danny gives Kate $1. After the five coin flips, what is the probability that Kate has more than $10 but less than $15?
(A) 5/16
(B) 1/2
(C) 12/30
(D) 15/32
(E) 3/8
OA
D
Source: Manhattan Prep
In order for Kate to have more than 10 dollars but less than 15 dollars, the outcome must contain at least one head, and more tails than heads must land. Thus, either of the following two outcomes must have occurred:
T-T-T-T-H, so Kate would have 13 dollars
T-T-T-H-H, so Kate would have 11 dollars
Let’s calculate the probability of each outcome:
P(T-T-T-T-H) = (1/2)^5 = 1/32
Since T-T-T-T-H can be arranged in 5!/4! = 5 ways, the probability is 5/32.
Next:
P(T-T-T-H-H) = (1/2)^5 = 1/32
Since T-T-T-H-H can be arranged in 5!/(3! x 2!) = 10 ways, the probability is 10/32.
So the overall probability that Kate has more than $10 but less than $15 is 15/32.
Answer: D
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