Given a spinner with four sections of equal size labeled

This topic has expert replies
Moderator
Posts: 2058
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:24 am
Thanked: 1 times
Followed by:5 members
Given a spinner with four sections of equal size labeled A, B, C, and D, what is the probability of NOT getting an A after spinning the spinner two times?

A. 15/16
B. 9/16
C. 1/2
D. 1/4
E. 1/8

The OA is B.

How can I calculate this probability? Experts, can you give me an explanation here? Thanks.

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 555
Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:18 pm
Thanked: 180 times
Followed by:12 members

by EconomistGMATTutor » Sun Dec 17, 2017 9:54 am
Given a spinner with four sections of equal size labeled A, B, C, and D, what is the probability of NOT getting an A after spinning the spinner two times?

A. 15/16
B. 9/16
C. 1/2
D. 1/4
E. 1/8

The OA is B.

How can I calculate this probability? Experts, can you give me an explanation here? Thanks.
Hi M7MBA,
Let's take a look at your question.

Probability of Not Getting an A after spinning the spinner two times can be calculated as:
$$P\left(\text{Not getting an A}\right)\times P\left(\text{Not getting an A}\right)$$
$$=\frac{3}{4}\times\frac{3}{4}=\frac{9}{16}$$

Therefore, option B is correct.

Hope it helps.
I am available if you'd like any follow up.
GMAT Prep From The Economist
We offer 70+ point score improvement money back guarantee.
Our average student improves 98 points.

Image

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Dec 17, 2017 2:01 pm
M7MBA wrote:Given a spinner with four sections of equal size labeled A, B, C, and D, what is the probability of NOT getting an A after spinning the spinner two times?

A. 15/16
B. 9/16
C. 1/2
D. 1/4
E. 1/8
Since the 4 sections each have EQUAL sizes, P(getting A on a single spin) = 1/4
So, P(NOT getting A on a single spin) = 1 - 1/4 = 3/4

What is the probability of NOT getting an A after spinning the spinner two times?
P(neither spin lands on A) = P(no A on 1st spin AND no A on 2nd spin)
= P(no A on 1st spin) x P(no A on 2nd spin)
= 3/4 x 3/4
= 9/16
= B

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 7243
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 43 times
Followed by:29 members

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Wed Sep 18, 2019 8:48 am
M7MBA wrote:Given a spinner with four sections of equal size labeled A, B, C, and D, what is the probability of NOT getting an A after spinning the spinner two times?

A. 15/16
B. 9/16
C. 1/2
D. 1/4
E. 1/8

The OA is B.

How can I calculate this probability? Experts, can you give me an explanation here? Thanks.
The probability of not getting an A each spin is ¾. Therefore, the probability of not getting an A twice in two spins is ¾ x ¾ = 9/16.

Answer: B

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

ImageImage