Problem

To encourage Elmer’s promising tennis career, his father offers him a reward if he wins at least two consecutive sets in a three-set series. The sets alternate between two opponents: the father, who is easier to defeat, and the club champion, who is a tougher opponent.

Elmer has two choices for the order in which he wants to play against them:

Problem

A drawer contains yellow socks and blue socks. When two socks are drawn at random, the probability that both are yellow is $\frac{1}{2}$.

Questions: (a) How small can the number of socks in the drawer minimally be?
(b) How small can it minimally be if the number of blue socks is even?

Solution

In the category Problems in Probability, I plan to regularly share engaging problems from probability theory. Treat these as stimulating mathematical exercises designed to challenge your understanding and sharpen your skills.

Each problem includes a solution concealed within a collapsible section like the one below. To view the solution, simply click the title, and it will expand to reveal the answer.