c ha pte r

15 Probability

Syllabus
 Classical definition of probability. Simple problems on single events (not using set notation).

Trend Analysis
2018 2019 2020
List of Concepts Delhi Outside Delhi Outside Delhi Outside
Delhi Delhi Delhi
Problems based on tossing a coin 1 Q (2 M) 1 Q (1 M)
Problems Based on Throwing a Die 1 Q (2 M) 1 Q (2 M) 2 Q (1 M) 1 Q (1 M)
2 Q (2 M)
Problems Based on Playing cards 1 Q (2 M)

Problems Based on selection of an 1 Q (2 M) 1 Q (2 M) 1 Q (1 M) 2 Q (1 M)

object from a Bag etc. 1 Q (2 M)

Revision Notes

 Probability is a branch of mathematics that deals with calculating the likelihood of a given
event’s occurrence.
 A random experiment is an experiment or a process for which the outcome cannot be
predicted with certainty. e.g.,
(i) tossing a coin, (ii) throwing a dice, (iii) selecting a card and (iv) selecting an object etc.

 Outcome associated with an experiment is called an event. e.g., (i) Getting a head on tossing
a coin, (ii) getting a face card when a card is drawn from a pack of 52 cards.
 The events whose probability is one are called sure/certain events.
 The events whose probability is zero are called impossible events.
 An event with only one possible outcome is called an elementary event.
 In a given experiment, if two or more events are equally likely to occur or have equal probabilities, then they are
called equally likely events.
 Probability of an event always lies between 0 and 1.
 Probability can never be negative and more than one.
  A pack of playing cards consists of 52 cards which are divided into 4 suits of 13 cards each. Each suit consists of
an ace, one king, one queen, one jack and 9 other cards numbered from 2 to 10. Four suits are spades, hearts,
diamonds and clubs.
 King, queen and jack are face cards.
 The sum of the probabilities of all elementary events of an experiment is 1.
 Two events A and B are said to be complementary to of each other if the sum of their probabilities is 1.
 Probability of an event E, denoted as P(E), is given by:
Number of outcomes favourable to E
P(E) =
Total possible number of outcomes
 For an event E, P( E ) = 1 – P(E), where the event E representing ‘not E’ is the complement of the event E.
 For A and B two possible outcomes of an event,
(i) If P(A) > P(B), then event A is more likely to occur than event B.
(ii) If P(A) = P(B), then events A and B are equally likely to occur.

Know the Facts

 The experimental or empirical probability of an event is based on what has actually happened while the theoretical
probability of the event attempts to predict what will happen on the basis of certain assumptions.
 As the number of trials in an experiment go on increasing, we may expect the experimental and theoretical
probabilities to be nearly the same.
 When we speak of a coin, we assume it to be ‘fair ‘ i.e., it is symmetrical so that there is no reason for it to come
down more often on one side than the other. We call this property of the coin as being ‘unbiased’.
 By the phrase ‘random toss’, we mean that the coin is allowed to fall freely without any bias or interference.
 In the case of experiment we assume that the experiments have equally likely outcomes.
 A deck of playing cards consists of 4 suits : spades (♠), hearts (♥), diamonds (♦) and clubs (♣). Clubs and spades
are of black colour, while hearts and diamonds are of red colour.
 The first book on probability ‘The Book on Games of Chance’ was written by Italian mathematician J. Cardan.
 The classical definition of probability was given by Pierre Simon Laplace.

How is it done on the GREENBOARD?

Q.1. One dice and one coin are tossed n(A) 6 1
= = =
simultaneously. Write the sample n(S ) 12 2
space. Find the probability of get- Step III: Finding cases having head:
ting : B = {(H, 1), (H, 2), (H, 3), (H, 4),
(i) Prime number on dice (H, 5), (H, 6)}
(ii) head n(B) = 6
(iii) head and even number n(B )
\ Required probability =
Solution: n(S )
Step I: Writing the sample space: 6 1
= =
{(H, 1), (H, 2), (H, 3), (H, 4), (H, 5), (H, 6) (T, 1), 12 2
(T, 2), (T, 3), (T, 4), (T, 5), (T, 6)} Step IV: Finding head and even num-
Step II: Finding prime number on ber:
dice : prime numbers are 2, 3 and 5 C = {(H, 2), (H, 4), (H, 6)}
\ favourable cases are : n(C) = 3
A = {(H, 2), (H, 3), (H, 5), (T, 2), n(C )
\ Required probability =
(T, 3), (T, 5)} n(S )
n(A) = 6 3 1
= =
\ Required probability 12 4
 Very Short Answer Type Questions 1 mark each

Q. 1. Find the probability of getting a doublet in a Q. 5. If the probability of winning a game is 0.07, what
throw of a pair of dice. U [CBSE SQP, 2020-21] is the probability of losing it ?
 [CBSE Delhi Set-II, 2020] Sol. P(winning the game) = 0.07
P(losing the game) = 1 – 0.07
1
Sol. Probability of getting a doublet = 1 = 0.93 1
6
Q. 6. A die thrown once. What is the probability of
Doublet means same number on both dice. getting an even prime number ?
 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2020]
 U [CBSE Delhi Set-II, 2020]
Detailed Solution:
The outcomes when two dice are thrown together Sol. Total possible outcome n(S) = 6
are: Favourable outcome = {2}
(1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (1, 5), (1, 6) i.e., n(E) = 1
(2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4), (2, 5), (2, 6) n( E) 1
(3, 1), (3, 2), (3, 3), (3, 4), (3, 5), (3, 6) P(getting an even prime number) = = . 1
n(S) 6 
(4, 1), (4, 2), (4, 3), (4, 4), (4, 5), (4, 6)
(5, 1), (5, 2), (5, 3), (5, 4), (5, 5), (5, 6) Q. 7. If a number x is chosen at random from the
(6, 1), (6, 2), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6) ½ numbers – 3, – 2, – 1. 0, 1, 2, 3, then find the
Total number of outcomes = n(S) = 36 probability of x2 < 4. U [CBSE OD Set-I, 2020]
Favourable outcomes are: (1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3),
Sol.
(4, 4), (5, 5) and (6, 6) i.e., n(E) = 6
n( E) 6 1 x –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3
Required Probability = = = ½
n(S) 36 6 x 2
9 4 1 0 1 4 9
Q. 2. Find the probability of getting a black queen Total possible outcomes = n(S) = 7
when a card is drawn at random from a well- Favourable outcomes = x2 < 4 i.e., x = – 1, 0, 1
shuffled pack of 52 cards. U [CBSE SQP, 2020-21]
n(E) = 3
2 1
Sol. Probability of getting a black queen = = 1 n( E) 3
52 26  P(x2 < 4) = = . 1
n(S) 7
Detailed Solution:
Total no. of cards = 52 Q. 8. What is the probability that a randomly taken
No. of black queens = 2 leap year has not 53 Sundays ?
2 1
So, Probability of black queen = = 1  A [CBSE OD Set-I, 2020]
52 26 
Sol. Number of days in a leap year = 366
Q. 3. A letter of english alphabet is chosen at random.
What is the probability that the chosen letter is a 366
Number of weeks = = 52.28
consonant. U [CBSE Delhi Set-I, 2020] 7
Sol. In English language, there are 26 alphabets.
So, there will be 52 weeks and 2 days
Consonants are 21.
So, total no. of outcomes, So, every leap year has 52 Sundays
n(S) = 26 Now, the probability depends on remaining 2 days
and favourable outcomes, The possible pairing of days are
n(E) = 21 ½
\ The probability of choosing a consonant Sunday and Monday, Monday and Tuesday,
n( E) 21 Tuesday and Wednesday, Wednesday and
= =  ½ Thursday, Thursday and Friday, Friday and
n(S) 26
Saturday, Saturday and Sunday. ½
Q. 4. A die is thrown once. What is the probability of
There are total 7 pairs and out of 7 pairs, only 2
getting a number less than 3 ?
pairs have Sunday. The remaining 5 pairs does not
 A [CBSE Delhi Set-I, 2020]
include Sunday.
Sol. Total possible outcomes = n(S) = 6
Favourable outcomes = 1, 2 Therefore, the probability of has not 53 Sundays in
i.e., n(E) = 2 5
a Leap year is ½
n( E) 7
\ P(number less than 3) =
n(S) Q. 9. A die is thrown once. What is the probability of
2 1 getting a prime number ?
= = . 1
6 3  U [CBSE OD Set-I, 2020]
 Sol. Total possible outcomes = n(S) = 6
3
Favourable outcomes = {2, 3, 5} Sol. [CBSE SQP Marking Scheme, 2020] 1
11
i.e., n(E) = 3 ½
n( E) Detailed Solution:
Probability = Given numbers, – 5, – 4, – 3, – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
n(S)
Total outcomes = 11 ½
3 1 Squaring all the numbers we get
= = . ½
6 2  25, 16, 9, 4, 1, 0, 1, 4, 9, 16, 25

Favourable outcomes
Q. 10. A number is chosen at random from the Probability, P(E) =
Total number of outcomes
numbers – 5, – 4, – 3, – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Then
3
find the probability that square of this number is P(E) =
11
less than or equal to 1. U [CBSE SQP, 2020-21]
3
 [Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2017] Hence, Probability = . ½
11
Q. 11. The probability of selecting a rotten apple randomly from a heap of 900 apples is 0.18. What is the number of
rotten apples in the heap ? R [CBSE OD 2017]

Topper Answer, 2017

Sol.

Q. 12. A die is thrown once. Find the probability of Q. 14. What is the probability that a non-leap year has 53
getting ‘’at most 2.’’ U [CBSE S.A.-2 2016] Mondays ? U [CBSE Term-2, 2015]
Sol. S = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}
Sol. There are 365 days in a non-leap year.
n(S) = 6
Q 365 days = 52 weeks + 1 day
A = {1, 2} \ One day can be M, T, W, Th, F, S, S =7 ½
n(A) = 2 1
\ P(53 Mondays in non-leap year) = ½
n( A ) 2 1 7
∴ P(A) = = = 1
n(S) 6 3 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]
Q. 13. Out of 200 bulbs in a box, 12 bulbs are defective. Q. 15. Two different dice are tossed together. Find the
One bulb is taken out at random from the box. probability that the product of the number on the top
What is the probability that the drawn bulb is not of the dice is 6. A [CBSE OD Set-I, II, III, 2015]
defective ? U [CBSE SQP, 2016]
Sol. Total no. of cases = 200 Sol. Product of 6 are (1, 6); (2, 3); (6, 1); (3, 2)
Favourable cases = 200 – 12 = 188 No. of possible outcomes = 4
188 Total number of chances = 6 × 6 = 36
∴ Required probability = 4 1
200 P(Product = 6) = =
36 9
47
= 1 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015] 1
50
Q. 16. A game of chance consists of spinning an arrow = (1 × 8), (2 × 4), (8 × 1), (4 × 2)
which comes to rest pointing at one of the numbers
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and these are equally likely No. of favourable outcomes = 4
outcomes. Find the probability that the arrow will No. of favourable outcomes
\ P(Factors of 8) = ½
point at any factor of 8 ? Total no. of possible outcomes
 U [Foreign Set I, II, III, 2015]
4 1
= = ½
Sol. Total number of points = 8 8 2
Since, the factors of 8 are, 1, 2, 4 and 8.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]

Short Answer Type Questions-I 2 marks each

Q. 1. If a number x is chosen at random from the number Sol. Total number of outcomes = 8 ½
– 3, – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2, 3. What is probability that x2 ≤ 4 ? Favourable number of outcomes (HHH, TTT) = 2
 U [CBSE Delhi Set-I, 2020] ½
Sol. Try yourself, similar to Q. 7, of very short answer 2 1
Prob. (getting success) = or ½
type questions. 8 4
Q. 2. ‘A child has a die whose six faces show the 1 3
\ Prob. (losing the game) = 1 − = ½
letters as shown below : 4 4
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2019]
A B C D E A
The die is thrown once. What is the probability of COMMONLY MADE ERROR
getting (i) A, (ii) D ?
 C + A [CBSE OD Set-I, 2020]
 Most of the students commit errors
Sol. Total possible outcomes, n (S) = 6 in writing correct total outcomes.
(i) Let E1 = getting event letter A, then Sometimes, favourable outcomes are also
n(E1) = 2 incorrectly written by students.
n( E1 ) 2
\ Probability = = = 1 1
n(S) 6 3 ANSWERING TIP
(ii) Let E2 = getting event letter D, then
n(E2) = 1  Remember to list the favourable outcomes
of tossing a coin 3 times.
n( E2 ) 1
\ Probability = = . 1
n(S) 6  Q. 5. A die is thrown twice. Find the probability that
(i) 5 will come up at least once.
Q. 3. A child has a die whose six faces show the letters (ii) 5 will not come up either time.
as shown below :  U [CBSE OD Set-III, 2019]
A A B C C C Sol. E1 {(1, 5),(2, 5), (3, 5), (4, 5), (5, 5),
The die is thrown once. What is the probability of (6, 5), (5, 1), (5, 2), (5, 3), (5, 4), (5, 6)}
getting (i) A, (ii) C ? 11
 P(5 will come at least once ) =P(E1) = 1
 C + A [CBSE OD Set-II, 2020] 36
Sol. Total possible outcomes n(S) = 6 11 25
P(5 will not come either time) = 1– = 1
(i) Let E1 = getting event letter A, then n(E1) = 2 36 36
n( E1 ) 2 1 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2019]
\ Probability = = = 1
n(S) 6 3
COMMONLY MADE ERROR
(ii) Let E2 = Getting event letter C, then n (E2) = 3
n( E2 ) 3 1
\ Probability = = = . 1  In die based problems, students often get
n(S) 6 2 confused in favorable outcomes.
Q. 4. A game consists of tossing a coin 3 times and
noting the outcome each time, if getting the ANSWERING TIP
same result in all the tosses is a success, find the
probability of losing the game.
 List all the events of throwing a die and
 U [CBSE Delhi Set-I, 2019] not assume in mind.
 Q. 6. The probability of selecting a blue marble at 1

P(black marbles) =
random from a jar that contains only blue, black 4
1 y 1
and green marbles is . The probability of select- =
5 x + y + 11 4


ing a black marble at random from the same jar is

or, x = 3y – 11 ...(i) ½
1
. If the jar contains 11 green marbles, find the 1
4
Again, P (blue marble) =
5
total number of marbles in the jar.
x
U [CBSE OD, Set-I, 2019] = 1
x + y + 11 5
 [CBSE OD, Set-I, II, 2015]

y + 11
1 1 or, x = ...(ii) ½
Sol. P(blue marble) = , P(black marble) = 4
5 4

Now, from equation (i) and (ii), we have
 1 1 11
1
\
P(green marble) = 1 –  +  = y + 11
 5 4 20
3y - 11 =
4
Let total number of marbles be x
11
or, 12y - 44 = y + 11
then × x = 11 ⇒ x = 20 1
20
or, y = 5
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2019]
From equation (i), x = 3 × 5 - 11
Detailed Solution:
x = 4

Let x and y be the number of Blue and Black marbles.
Hence, total number of marbles in the jar

No. of green marbles = 11
= x + y + 11

Total number of marbles = x + y + 11 ½
= 4 + 5 + 11

According to the problem,
= 20. ½
Q. 7. A die is thrown once. Find the probability of getting (i) a composite number, (ii) a prime number.
 U [CBSE Delhi Region, 2019]

Topper Answer, 2019

Sol.

2
 Q. 8. Cards numbered 7 to 40 were put in a box. Poonam selects a card at random. What is the probability that
Poonam selects a card which is a multiple of 7 ? [CBSE Delhi, 2019]

Topper Answer, 2019

Sol.

Q. 9. An integer is chosen at random between 1 and 100. Q. 12. Two different dice are thrown together. Find
Find the probability that it is : the probability that the product of the number
(i) divisible by 8. appeared is less than 18.
(ii) not divisible by 8. U [Foreign Set-I, II, III, 2017]
 U [CBSE Delhi/OD, 2018]
Sol. No. of all possible outcomes = 62 = 36
Sol. Total number of outcomes = 98 No. of favourable outcomes = 26 ½
(i) Favourable outcomes are 8, 16, 24, ...., 96, i.e., 12 ½ (4, 2)(4, 3)(4, 4)(4, 5)(5, 1)(5, 2)(5, 3)(6, 1)(6, 2)(1, 1)
12 6 (1, 2)(1, 3)(1, 4)(1, 5)(1, 6)(2, 1)(2, 2)(2, 3)(2, 4)(2, 5)
Probability (integer is divisible by 8) = or 1
98 49 (2, 6)(3, 1)(3, 2)(3, 3)(3, 4)(3, 5)(4, 1)
6 26 13
(ii) Probability (integer is not divisible by 8) = 1 - ∴ P(Product appears is less than 18) = = 1½
49 36 18
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
43
= Q. 13. A letter of English alphabet is chosen at random,
49
find the probability that the letter so chosen is :
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018] ½
(i) a vowel,
Q. 10. A card is drawn at random from a well shuffled
(ii) a consonant.
deck of 52 cards. Find the probability of getting
neither a red card nor a queen.  A [CBSE Delhi Term-2, Set-I, II, III, 2015]
U [CBSE SQP, 2018] Sol. Since, total number in english alphabet is 26. in
 [CBSE O.D., Set-I, II, III, 2016] which 5 vowels and 21 consonants.
Sol. Probability of either a red card or a queen 5 1
(i) P(a vowel) =
26 + 2 28 26
= = 1
52 52 21
(ii) P(a consonant) =
28 26
P(neither red card nor a queen) = 1 -
52 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015] 1
52 - 28 24 6 Q. 14. A bag contains cards with numbers written on it
= = = 1
52 52 13 from 1 - 80. A card is pulled out at random. Find the
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018] probability that the card shows a perfect square.
Q. 11. Two dice are thrown at the same time and the U [CBSE S.A.-2, 2016]
product of numbers appearing on them is noted.  [CBSE Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2016]
Find the probability that the product is a prime Sol. S = {1, 2 ............... 80}
number. U [CBSE SQP, 2018] n(S) = 80 ½
A = {1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64}
Sol. Total number of outcomes = 36 1 n(A) = 8 ½
Favourable outcomes are (1, 2), (2, 1), (1, 3), (3, 1),
n( A ) 8
(1, 5), (5, 1) i.e., 6 P(A) = n(S) =
6 1 80
Required probability = or 1
36 6 1
= 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018] 10
 Short Answer Type Questions-II 3 marks each

Q. 1. An integer is chosen between 70 and 100. Find \ No. of favourable outcomes = 9

the probability that it is. P(Selected card bears perfect square numbers)
(i) a prime number 9 1
= = 1
(ii) divisible by 7. U [CBSE SQP, 2020-21] 90 10
Sol. Total number of integers = 29 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
6 Q. 4. Two different dice are thrown together. Find the
(i) Prob. (prime number) =
29 probability that the number obtained.
(i) have a sum less than 7.
4
(ii) Prob. (number divisible by 7) = (ii) have a product less than 16.
29
(iii) is a doublet of odd numbers.
[CBSE SQP Marking Scheme, 2020] 3 U [CBSE Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2017]
Detailed Solution:
Sol. Total number of all possible outcomes = 62 = 36
Total number of outcomes = n(S) = 29
(i) Total prime numbers between 70 and 100 (i) The sum less than 7 = (1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (1, 5),
= 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97 (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4), (3, 1), (3, 2), (3, 3), (4, 1), (4, 2), (5, 1)
i.e., favourable outcomes = n(E) = 6 ½ No. of favourable outcomes = 15
n( E) 15 5
\ P(prime number) = P(have sum less than 7) = = 1
n(S) 36 12
6 (ii) Product less than 16 = (1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (1, 5),
=  1 (1, 6), (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4), (2, 5), (2, 6), (3, 1), (3, 2),
29
(3, 3), (3, 4), (3, 5), (4, 1), (4, 2), (4, 3), (5, 1), (5, 2), (5, 3),
(ii) Numbers, which are divisible by 7 (6, 1), (6, 2)
= 77, 84, 91, 98
No. of favourable out outcomes = 25
i.e., favourable outcomes = n(E1) = 4 ½
\ P(have a product less than 16)
n( E1 )
\ P(number divisible by 7) = 25
n(S) = 1
36
4 (iii) Doublet of odd numbers = (1, 1), (3, 3), (5, 5)
= . 1
29 No. of favourable outcomes = 3
Q. 2. From all the two digit numbers a number is chosen \ P(a doublet of odd number)
at random. Find the probability that the chosen 3 1
= = 1
number is a multiple of 7. 36 12
U [CBSE OD Comptt. Set-III, 2017] [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
Q. 5. Peter throws two different dice together and finds
Sol. All possible outcomes are 10, 11, 12 ....... 98, 99.
the product of the two numbers obtained. Rina
No. of all possible outcomes = 90. 1
throws a die and squares the number obtained.
All favourable outcomes are 14, 21, 28 ..... 98
Who has the better chance to get the number 25.
No. of favourable outcomes = 13 1
[CBSE Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2017]
13
\ P(getting a number multiple of 7) = 1 Sol. Peter throws two dice together
90
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017] \ Total number of possible outcomes = 62 = 36 ½
He get 25 only when he gets (5, 5)
Q. 3. A box contains cards, number 1 to 90. A card is
\ No. of favourable outcomes = 1 ½
drawn at random from the box. Find the probability
that the selected card bears a : 1
P(getting the numbers of product 25) = 1
(i) Two digit number. 36
(ii) Perfect square number Rina throws one dice
U [Delhi Comptt. Set-I, 2017] \ Total number of all possible outcomes = 6
The number where square is 25 is 5
Sol. No. of all possible outcomes = 90 \ No. of favourable outcomes = 1 ½
(i) No. of cards having 2 digit number = 90 – 9 = 81 1
P(getting a number whose square is 25) =
\ No. of favourable outcomes = 81 6
P(selected card bears two digit number) 1 1
No. of favourable outcomes 81 9  > ½
= = = 1 6 36
No. of all possible outcomes 900 10
Hence, Rina has better chances to get the number
(ii) Perfect square numbers between 1 to 90 are 25.
1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81 1 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
 Q. 6. A bag contains 15 white and some black balls. If the probability of drawing a black ball from the bag is thrice
that of drawing a white ball, find the number of black balls in the bag. C [CBSE OD Set-III, 2017]

Topper Answer, 2017

Sol.

Q. 7. In a single throw of a pair of different dice, what Sol. (i) Number of good shirts = 88 1
is the probability of getting (i) a prime number on
88 22
each dice ? (ii) a total of 9 or 11 ?
P(Ramesh buys the shirt) = or ½
100 25
 U [CBSE Delhi Set I, 2016]
(ii) Number of shirts without major defect = 96 1
Sol. (i) Favourable outcomes are (2, 2) (2, 3) (2, 5) (3, 2) 96 24
P(Kewal buys a shirt) = or ½
(3, 3) (3, 5) (5, 2) (5, 3) (5, 5) i.e., 9 outcomes. 1 100 25
9 1 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
P(a prime number on each die) = or ½
36 4
Q. 10. Three different coins are tossed together. Find the
(ii) Favourable outcomes are (3, 6) (4, 5) (5, 4) (6, 3) probability of getting
(5, 6) (6, 5) i.e., 6 outcomes 1 (i) exactly two heads.
6 1 (ii) at least two heads
P(a total of 9 or 11) = or ½
36 6 (iii) at least two tails. U [CBSE OD Set I, 2016]
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
Sol. Possible outcomes are
Q. 8. Two different dice are thrown together. Find the
probability of : {HHH, HHT, HTH, THH, HTT, THT, TTH, TTT}
(i) getting a number greater than 3 on each dice. ⇒
n(S) = 8
(ii) getting a total of 6 or 7 of the numbers on two dice. (i) Exactly two heads = {HHT, HTH, THH}
 C + A [CBSE Delhi Set II, 2016] n(P1) = 3
n( P1 ) 3
Sol. (i) Favourable outcomes are (4, 4) (4, 5) (4, 6) (5, 4) ∴
P1 = = 1
n(S) 8
(5, 5) (5, 6) (6, 4) (6, 5) (6, 6) 1
\ No. of favourable outcomes = 9 (ii) At least two heads {HHT, HTH, THH, HHH}
9 1
P(a number > 3 on each dice) = or ½ n(P2) = 4
36 4
(ii) Favourable outcomes are (1, 5) (2, 4) (3, 3) (4, 2) (5, 1) n( P2 ) 4 1
P2 = = = 1
(1, 6) (2, 5) (3, 4) (4, 3) (5, 2) (6, 1) 1 n(S) 8 2
\ No. of favourable outcomes = 11
(iii) At least two tails {TTH, THT, HTT, TTT}
11
P(a total of 6 or 7) = . ½ n(P3) = 4
36
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016] n( P3 ) 4 1
P3 = = = 1
Q. 9. A box consists of 100 shirts of which 88 are good, n(S) 8 2
8 have minor defects and 4 have major defects.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
Ramesh, a shopkeeper will buy only those shirts
which are good but ‘Kewal’ another shopkeeper Q. 11. A game consists of tossing a one-rupee coin 3
will not buy shirts with major defects. A shirt times and noting the outcome each time. Ramesh
is taken out of the box at random. What is the will win the game if all the tosses show the same
probability that : result, (i.e. either all three heads or all three tails)
(i) Ramesh will buy the selected shirt ? and loses the game otherwise. Find the probability
(ii) ‘Kewal‘ will buy the selected shirt ? that Ramesh will lose the game.
 C + A [CBSE Delhi Set III, 2016]  C + A [Foreign Set-I, 2016]
 Sol. Total outcomes are Sol. (a) Total number of cards = 52
{HHH, HHT, HTH, THH, HTT, THT, TTH, TTT} Number of non-face cards = 52 – 12
= 40
No. of total outcomes = 8
40 10
Same result on all the tosses (A) = HHH, TTT, 1 P(non-face cards) = = 1
52 13
No. of favourable outcomes = 2 1 (b) Number of black kings = 2
8-2 6 3 Number of red queens = 2
\ P (Ramesh will lose the game) = = = 1
8 8 4 4 1
P(a black King or a red queen) = = 1
52 13
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
(c) Number of spade cards = 13
Q. 12. One card is drawn from a well shuffled deck of
13 1
52 cards. Find the probability of getting (a) Non P(Spade cards) = = 1
52 4
face card, (b) Black king or a Red queen, (c) Spade
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
card. C + A [CBSE SQP, 2016]
Q. 13. From a pack of 52 playing cards, Jacks, Queens and Kings of red colour are removed. From the remaining, a
card is drawn at random. Find the probability that drawn card is :
(i) a black king, (ii) a card of red colour, (iii) a card of black colour. C [CBSE Term-II, 2015, 2016]

Topper Answer, 2016

Sol.

Q. 14. A bag contains 18 balls out of which x balls are red. (ii) Total number of balls = 18 + 2 = 20
(i) If one ball is drawn at random from the bag, what red balls are = x + 2
is the probability that it is not red ? x+2
P(red balls) = ½
(ii) If 2 more red balls are put in the bag, the probability 20
9
of drawing a red ball will be times the probability Now, According to the question,
8
x+2 9 x
of drawing a red ball in the first case. Find the value = ×
20 8 18
of x. C + A [Foreign Set I, 2015]
⇒ 180x = 144x + 288
x ⇒ 36x = 288
Sol. P(red ball) =
18 288
⇒ x= =8 1½
x 18 - x 36
(i) P(no red ball) = 1 - = 1
18 18 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]
 Long Answer Type Questions 5 marks each

Q. 1. The King, Queen and Jack of clubs are removed (iii) Numbers divisible by 3 from 1 to 20 are
from a pack of 52 cards and then the remaining 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 i.e., 6
cards are well shuffled. A card is selected from the 6 3
remaining cards. Find the probability of getting a P(number divisible by 3) = or 2
20 10
card.
(i) of spade (ii) of black king [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]
(iii) of club (iv) of jacks
U [CBSE Comptt. Set I, II, III, 2018] COMMONLY MADE ERROR
Sol. Total number of cards = 52 – 3 = 49 1
13  Many candidates commit the following
(i) P(spade) = 1 errors.
49
(i) Total outcomes of event are incorrect.
1 (ii) Favourable outcomes are incorrect.
(ii) P(black king) = 1
49 (iii) The results are not given in the simplest
10 form. e.g.
(iii) P(club) = 1 8 2
49 =
20 5
3
(iv) P(Jack) = 1
49
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018] ANSWERING TIP
Detailed Solution :
Total number of cards = 52 – 3 = 49 1  All necessary outcomes must be listed
(i) Number of spade cards = 13 before finding probability and all answers
13 must be in the simplest from.
\ P(getting a spade) = 1
49
Q. 3. Two different dice are rolled together once. Find
(ii) Number of black king = 2 – 1 = 1
the probability of numbers coming on the tops
1
\ P(getting a black king) = 1 whose product is a perfect square.
49
A [CBSE OD Comptt. Set-I, 2017]
(iii) Number of club card = 13 – 3 = 10
10 Sol. No. of all possible outcomes = 62 = 36 1
\ P(getting a club card) = 1
49

All favourable outcomes are
(iv) Number of jacks = 4 – 1 = 3
(2, 2), (3, 3), (4, 4) (5, 5), (6, 6), (1, 1), (4, 1), (1, 4)
3
\ P(getting a jack) = 1 \ No. of favourable outcomes = 8
1½
49
Q. 2. A box contains cards numbered from 1 to 20. A \ P(getting the numbers, whose product is a

card is drawn at random from the box. 8 2
perfect square) = = . 1½
Find the probability that number on the drawn 36 9
card is
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
(i) a prime number
(ii) a composite number Q. 4. A box contains 125 shirts of which 110 are good
(iii) a number divisible by 3 12 have minor defects and 3 have major defects
A [CBSE Comptt. I, II, III,2018] Ram Lal will buy only those shirts which are good
[CBSE Term-2, Set I, II, 2015] while Naveen will reject only those which have
Sol. (i) Prime numbers from 1 to 20 are major defects. A shirt is taken out at random from
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19 i.e. 8. the box. Find the probability that :
8 2 (i) Ram Lal will buy it.
P(prime number) = or 1½
20 5 (ii) Naveen will buy it. A [CBSE OD Set-III, 2017]
(ii) Composite numbers from 1 to 20 are
4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, i.e., 11 Sol. No. of all possible outcomes = 125 ½
11 (i) Ramlal will buy a good shirt
P(Composite number) = 1½
20 \ No. of favourable outcomes = 110 ½
 Sol. Total number of discs in the box = 90
\ P(Ramlal will buy a shirt)

\ No. of all possible outcomes = 90
½
No. of favourable outcomes
= (i) Discs with two digit number are 10, 11, ....... 90
No. of all possible outcomes
No. of discs with two digits numbers = 90 – 9 = 81
\ P(Ramlal will buy a shirt)
½
No. of favourable outcomes \ No. of favourable outcomes = 81

=
No. of all possible outcomes

P(a disc with two digit number)
110 22 No. of favourable outcomes
= = 1½ = ½
125 25 No. of all possible outcomes
(ii) Naveen will reject the shirt which have major
= 81 = 9 ½
defects. 90 10
\ No. of favourable outcomes = 125 – 3 = 122

(ii) The numbers divisible by 5 from 1 to 90 are
\ P(Naveen will buy the shirt)

5, 10, 15 .... 85, 90 ½
No. of favourable outcomes
= \ No. of favourable outcomes = 18

No. of all possible outcomes
\ P(a disc with a number divisible by 5)

122 18 1
= 1½ = = 1½
125 90 5
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017] [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
Q. 5. The king, queen and jack of clubs are removed Q. 7. From a deck of 52 playing cards, Jacks and kings
from a deck of 52 cards. The remaining cards are of red colour and Queen and Aces of black colour
mixed together and then a card is drawn at random are removed. The remaining cards are mixed and a
from it. Find the probability of getting (i) a face card is drawn at random. Find the probability that
card, (ii) a card of heart, (iii) a card of clubs (iv) a the drawn card is :
queen of diamond. (i) A black Queen.
A [CBSE Delhi Comptt. Set-II, 2017]
(ii) A card of red colour.

(iii) A Jack of black colour.
Sol. No. of all possible outcomes = 52 – 3 = 49
(iv) A face card. A [CBSE OD Comptt. Set-I, 2017]
(i) No. of face cards = 12 – 3 = 9 1
Sol. No. of all possible outcomes = 52 – (2 + 2 + 2 + 2)
9
Required probability = = 44 1
49
(i) No. of black Queens in the deck = 0
(ii) No. of card of heart in the deck = 13
0
13 \
P(getting a black Queen) = =0
\ Required probability =
1 44
49
Hence it is an impossible event 1
(iii) No. of cards of clubs = 13 – 3 = 10
(ii) No. of red cards = 26 – 4 = 22
10
\ Required probability =
1 22 1
49 \
P(getting a red card) = = 1
44 2
(iv) There is only one queen of diamond
(iii) No. of Jacks (black) = 2
1
\ Required probability =
1 \ P(getting a black coloured Jack)

49
2 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017] = = 1
44 22
Q. 6. A box contains 90 discs which are numbered 1 to
(iv) No. of face cards in the deck = 12 – 6 = 6
90. If one disc is drawn at random from the box,
6 3
find the probability that it bears (i) a two digit \
P(getting a face card) = = 1
44 22
number, (ii) number divisible by 5.
A [Foreign Set-I, II, III, 2017] [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Q. 8. Two different dice are thrown together. Find the probability that the numbers obtained have
(i) even sum, and
(ii) even product. A [CBSE OD Set-III, 2017]
 Topper Answer, 2017

Sol.

5
Q. 9. Cards on which numbers 1, 2, 3 ...... 100 are (iv) Prime numbers less than 20 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17
written (one number on one card and no number and 19.
is repeated) and put in a bag and are mixed
No. of all favourable outcomes = 8
thoroughly. A card is drawn at random from the
\P(card taken out has a prime number less than 20)
bag. Find the probability that card taken out has.
8 2
(i) An even number = = 1
100 25
(ii) A number which is a multiple of 13.
(iii) A perfect square number [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
(iv) A prime number less than 20. Q. 10. In fig. a disc on which a player spins an arrow
A [CBSE Delhi Comptt. Set-I, 2017] [CBSE SQP, 2016] a
twice. The fraction is formed, where ‘a‘ is the
b
Sol. Total number of possible outcomes = 100
(i) Number of even numbers from 1 to 100 = 50 number of sector on which arrow stops on the first
\ P(card taken out has an even number) spin and ‘b‘ is the number of the sector in which
50 1 the arrow stops on second spin, On each spin, each
= = 1½ sector has equal chance of selection by the arrow.
100 2
a
(ii) Multiple of 13 from 1 to 100 are Find the probability that the fraction > 1.
b
13, 26, 39, 52, 65, 78 and 91.
No. of favourable outcomes = 7
7 2
\P(card taken out has multiple of 13) = 1½
100 3 1
(iii) Perfect square numbers from 1 to 100 are
1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81 and 100.
4
No. of all favourable outcomes = 10 6
\ P(card taken out has a perfect square number) 5
10 1
= =
100 10 A [Foreign Set I, II, III, 2016]
 a Total possible outcomes = 36 ½
Sol. For > 1, when a = 1, b can not take any value,
b a  1+ 2+ 3+ 4 + 5
\ P  > 1 = 1
b 36
a = 2, b can take 1 value, a = 3, b can take 2 values,
a = 4, b can take 3 values 2½ 15 5
= or 1
36 12
When a = 5, b can take 4 values,
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
a = 6, b can take 5 values.

Q. 11. A number x is selected at random from the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Another number y is selected at random from
the numbers 1, 4, 9 and 16. Find the probability that product of x and y is less than 16.
A [CBSE OD Set-II, 2016]

Sol.

[Topper’s Answer, 2016] 5

Q.
12. A card is drawn at random from a well-shuffled Q. 13. A bag contains 15 balls of which x are blue and the
deck of playing cards. Find the probability that the remaining are red. If the number of red balls are
card drawn is : increased by 5, the probability of drawing the red
(i) a card of spade or an ace. balls doubles. Find :
(ii) a black king.
(i) P(red ball)
(iii) neither a jack nor a king.
(ii) P(blue ball)
(iv) either a king or a queen.
A [CBSE OD Set-I, II, III, 2015] (iii) P(blue ball if of 5 extra red balls are actually added)
A [CBSE Term-2, 2015]
Sol. (i) Cards of spade or an ace = 13 + 3 = 16
Total no. of cards = 52 Sol. According to the question,
16 4 20 − x  15 − x 
P(spade or an ace) = = 1½ =2  1
52 13
20  15 

(ii) Black kings = 2
x 2x
2 1 ⇒ 1- = 2-
P(a black king) = = 1 20 15
52 26

(iii) Jack or king = 4 + 4 = 8 2x x
⇒ − = 2 –1
52 - 8 44 11 15 20
P(neither jack nor a king) = = = 1
52 52 13 8 x - 3x
⇒ =1
(iv) King or queen = 4 + 4 = 8 60
8 2 ⇒ 5x = 60
P(either a king or a queen) = = 1½
52 13 \ x = 12 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015] \ Blue balls = 12 and red balls = 3
 3 1 (iii) P(blue ball if 5 red balls are added)
(i) P(red ball) = = 1
15 5 12 3
= = 1
12 4 20 5
(ii) P(blue ball) = = 1
15 5 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]

Visual Case Based Questions 4 marks each

Note: Attempt any four sub parts from each Sol. Correct option: (a).
question. Each sub part carries 1 mark Explanation:
Q. 1. On a weekend Rani was playing cards with her No. of face card = 13
family. The deck has 52 cards.If her brother drew Total no of cards = 52
one card. Probability of getting a face card
No. of face cards
=
Total no. of cards
12 3
= =
52 13
(v) Find the probability of getting a spade.
1 1
(a) (b)
26 13
1 1
(c) (d)
52 4
(i) Find the probability of getting a king of red colour. Sol. Correct option: (d).
1 1 No. of face card = 13
(a) (b)
26 13 Total no of cards = 52
1 1 Probability of getting a face card
(c) (d) No. of face cards
52 4 =
Total no. of cards
Sol. Correct option: (a).
Explanation: 13 1
= =
No. of cards of a king of red colour = 2 52 4
Total no. of cards = 52 Q. 2. Rahul and Ravi planned to play Business (board
Probability of getting a king of red colour game) in which they were supposed to use two
No. of king of red colour dice.
=
Total number of cards
2 1
= =
52 26
(ii) Find the probability of getting a face card.
1 1
(a) (b)
26 13
2 3
(c) (d)
13 13
Sol. Correct option: (d).
(iii) Find the probability of getting a jack of hearts.
1 1
(a) (b)
26 52
3 3
(c) (d)
52 26
Sol. Correct option: (b).
(iv) Find the probability of getting a red face card.
3 1
(a) (b)
13 13
1 1
(c) (d)
52 4
 (i) Ravi got first chance to roll the dice. What is the (iii) Now it was Ravi’s turn. He rolled the dice. What
probability that he got the sum of the two numbers is the probability that he got the sum of the two
appearing on the top face of the dice is 8? numbers appearing on the top face of the dice is
1 5 less than or equal to 12 ?
(a) (b)
26 36 5
(a) 1 (b)
1 36
(c) (d) 0
18 1
(c)
Sol. Correct option: (b). 18 (d) 0
Explanation: Sol. Correct option: (a).
The outcomes when two dice are thrown together Explanation:
are:
No. of outcomes when the sum is less than or equal
= (1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (1, 5), (1, 6)
to 12 = 36
(2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4), (2, 5), (2, 6)
(3, 1), (3, 2), (3, 3), (3, 4), (3, 5), (3, 6) Total outcomes = 36
(4, 1), (4, 2), (4, 3), (4, 4), (4, 5), (4, 6) 36
probability = =1
(5, 1), (5, 2), (5, 3), (5, 4), (5, 5), (5, 6) 36
(6, 1), (6, 2), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6) (iv) Rahul got next chance. What is the probability that
Total outcomes = 36 he got the sum of the two numbers appearing on
No. of outcomes when the sum is 8 = 5 the top face of the dice is equal to 7 ?
5 5 5
Probability = (a) (b)
36 9 36
(ii) Rahul got next chance. What is the probability that 1
he got the sum of the two numbers appearing on (c) (d) 0
6
the top face of the dice is 13?
5 Sol. Correct option: (c).
(a) 1 (b)
36 (v) Now it was Ravi’s turn. He rolled the dice. What
is the probability that he got the sum of the two
1
(c) numbers appearing on the top face of the dice is
18 (d) 0
greater than 8 ?
Sol. Correct option: (d). 5
Explanation: (a) 1 (b)
36
No. of outcomes when the sum is 13 = 0
1 5
Total outcomes = 36 (c) (d)
18 18
0
Probability = =0 Sol. Correct option: (d).
35
Maximum Time: 1 hour MM: 25

Q. 1. For the following distribution:

Class 0–5 5 – 10 10 – 15 15 – 20 20 – 25
Frequency 10 15 12 20 9
Find the sum of lower limits of median class and modal class. A
Q. 2. Consider the following distribution :

Marks Obtained 0 or more 10 or more 20 or more 30 or more 40 or more 50 or more

Number of students 63 58 55 51 48 42
(i) Calculate the frequency of the class 30 – 40.
(ii) Calculate the class mark of the class 10 – 20.  A [Board Term- I, 2014]
Q. 3. From the number 3, 5, 5, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9, 9, 9, one (ii) Find the probability that lost piece is triangle.
number is selected at random, what is the 4 5
probability that the selected number is mean ? (a) (b)
9 9
U [CBSE Term-2, 2012]
1 5
(c) (d)
Q. 4. A girl calculates the probability of her winning 3 18
the game in a match and find it 0.08. What is the
(iii) Find the probability that lost piece is square.
probability of her losing the game ?
4 5
R [CBSE Term-2, 2012] (a) (b)
9 9
Q. 5. A bag contains cards numbered from 1 to 25.
1 5
A card is drawn at random from the bag. Find (c) (d)
3 18
the probability that number is divisible by both 2
and 3. U [Foreign Set I, II, III, 2014] (iv) Find the probability that lost piece is square of
blue colour.
Q. 6. Visually Case Based Questions (1 mark each)
4 5
A child’s game has 8 triangles of which 3 are blue (a) (b)
9 9
and rest are red, and 10 squares of which 6 are blue
and rest are red. One piece is lost at random. 1 5
(c) (d)
3 18
(v) Find the probability that lost piece is triangle of
red colour.
4 5
(a) (b)
9 9
1 5
(c) (d)
3 18
Q. 7. A bag contains 5 red balls and some blue balls.
If the probability of drawing a blue ball from the
bag is thrice that of the red ball, find the number of
blue balls in the bag. C + A [Board Term-2, 2012]
[Board Term-2, 2012]
 C + AE Q. 8. Two different dice are tossed together. Find the
(i) How many triangles are of red colour and how probability.
many squares are of red colour? (i) that the number on each dice is even.
(a) 5, 4 (b) 4, 5 (ii) that the sum of numbers appearing on the two dice
is 5. C + A [CBSE OD Set-I, 2014]
(c) 5, 5 (d) 8, 6
 [CBSE Term-2, 2012]
 Q. 9. If the median for the following frequency distribution is 28.5, find the value of x and y :
Class Frequencies
0 – 10 5
10 – 20 x
20 – 30 20
30 – 40 15
40 – 50 y
50 – 60 5
Total 60
U [CBSE Term-1, 2013]
Q. 10. Find the mode of the following data :

Marks Below 10 Below 20 Below 30 Below 40 Below 50

Number of students 8 20 45 58 70
Q. 11. The following table gives the weight of 120 articles :

Weight (in kg) 0 – 10 10 – 20 20 – 30 30 – 40 40 – 50 50 – 60

Number of students 14 17 22 26 23 18
Change the distribution to a ‘more than type’ distribution and draw its ogive. A [CBSE Term-1, Set-48, 2012]

