Nadia’s bookshelf contains 10 fiction books, two reference books, and five nonfiction books. What is the probability that she randomly picks up a reference book and then, without replacing it, picks up a nonfiction book?

Verified Answer :

Answer

5/136


Explanation

Probability is the chance of an event happening.

Probability = (Favorable outcome)/(total outcome)

10 fiction books,

2 reference books,

5 nonfiction books

P(r and n) = 2/17 × 5/16

                 =(2 × 5)/(17 × 16)

                 = 10/272

                = 5/136


Answer: \(\frac{5}{136}\)

Step-by-step explanation:

Given: Number of reference books = 2

Number of fiction books =10

Number of non-fiction books =5

Total books=\(2+10+5=17\)

The probability that she randomly picks up a reference book is given by :-

\(\text{P(reference)}=\frac{2}{17}\)

Without replacement ,the probability that she randomly picks up a non-fiction book is given by :-

\(\text{P(non-fiction)}=\frac{5}{16}\)

Now, the the probability that she randomly picks up a reference book and then, without replacing it, picks up a nonfiction book is given by:-

\(P(\text{non-fiction}|\text{reference})=\frac{2}{17}\times\frac{5}{16}=\frac{5}{136}\)