Senior Secondary Oxford Mathematics for the New Century

S5 Question Bank
5A Chapter 6 More about Probability

DSE-oriented Questions (Paper 1)

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Bag A contains 8 pens and 3 of them are blue pens. Bag B contains 9 pens and 4 of them are blue
pens. A pen is randomly chosen from each bag. Find the probability that only one of the pens
chosen is a blue pen.
(3 marks)
Solution:
P(only one of the pens chosen is a blue pen)
= P(only the pen chosen from bag A is a blue pen or only the pen chosen from bag B is a blue pen)
= P(only the pen chosen from bag A is a blue pen) + P(only the pen chosen from bag B is a blue pen)
= P(the pen chosen from bag A is a blue pen and the pen chosen from bag B is not a blue pen) +
P(the pen chosen from bag A is not a blue pen and the pen chosen from bag B is a blue pen)
= P(the pen chosen from bag A is a blue pen)  P(the pen chosen from bag B is not a blue pen) +
P(the pen chosen from bag A is not a blue pen)  P(the pen chosen from bag B is a blue pen)
3
=8
( )( )
4 3 4
× 1− + 1− ×
9 8 9 1M+1M
35
= 72 1A
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© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.1

<code=SMath007841>
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There are 3 red balls and 5 white balls in bag A. There are 4 red balls and 2 white balls in bag B.
A ball is randomly drawn from each bag.
(a) Find the probability that the two balls drawn are of the same colour.
(b) Hence, find the probability that the two balls drawn are of different colours.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(same colour)
= P(a red ball is drawn from bag A and a red ball is drawn from bag B) +
P(a white ball is drawn from bag A and a white ball is drawn from bag B)
= P(a red ball is drawn from bag A)  P(a red ball is drawn from bag B) +
P(a white ball is drawn from bag A)  P(a white ball is drawn from bag B)
3 4 5 2
× + ×
=8 6 8 6 1M+1M
11
= 24 1A

(b) P(different colours)

= 1  P(same colour)
11
= 1  24 1M
13
= 24 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.2

<code=SMath007842>
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There are 9 copper coins, 6 silver coins and 3 gold coins in a bag. If 3 coins are drawn at random
from the bag one by one with replacement, find the probability of each of the following events.
(a) The materials of the 3 coins drawn are all different.
(b) The materials of the 3 coins drawn are the same.
(c) 1 copper coin and 2 gold coins are drawn.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(materials of the 3 coins drawn are all different)
= P(1 copper coin) × P(1 silver coin) × P(1 gold coin) × 6
9 6 3
= 18 × 18 × 18 × 6 1M
1
=6 1A

9 9 9
(b) P(3 copper coins) = 18 × 18 × 18
1
=8
6 6 6
P(3 silver coins) = 18 × 18 × 18
1
= 27
3 3 3
P(3 gold coins) = 18 × 18 × 18
1
= 216
P(materials of the 3 coins drawn are the same)
= P(3 copper coins) + P(3 silver coins) + P(3 gold coins)
1 1 1
= 8 + 27 + 216 1M
1
=6 1A

(c) P(1 copper coin and 2 gold coins)

= P(1 copper coin) × P(1 gold coin) × P(1 gold coin) × 3
9 3 3
= 18 × 18 × 18 × 3
1
= 24 1A

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.3

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© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.4

<code=SMath007843>
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The probabilities that two missiles A and B hit a certain target are both 0.9. Assume that the two
missiles hit the target independently.
(a) Find the probability that only one missile hits the target.
(b) Find the probability that the target is hit.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(only one missile hits the target)
= P(A hits the target and B misses the target) + P(A misses the target and B hits the target)
= P(A hits the target)  P(B misses the target) + P(A misses the target)  P(B hits the target)
= 0.9  (1 – 0.9) + (1 – 0.9)  0.9 1M
= 0.18 1A

(b) P(the target is hit)

= P(only one missile hits the target) + P(both missiles hit the target)
= P(only one missile hits the target) + P(A hits the target)  P(B hits the target)
= 0.18 + 0.9  0.9 1M
= 0.99 1A

Alternative method:
P(the target is hit)
= 1 – P(both missiles miss the target)
= 1 – P(A misses the target)  P(B misses the target)
= 1 – (1 – 0.9)  (1 – 0.9) 1M
= 0.99 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.5

<code=SMath007844>
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There are some discs in a box. 30% of them are music discs. 54% of them are movie discs and the
remaining are game discs. 2 discs are randomly drawn from the box one by one with replacement.
(a) Find the probability that the two discs selected are not game discs.
(b) Find the probability that the two discs selected are of the same type.
(c) Find the probability that exactly one game disc is selected.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(two discs are not game discs)
= P(1st disc is not game disc)  P(2nd disc is not game disc)
= (30% + 54%)  (30% + 54%)
= 0.705 6 1A

(b) P(same type)

= P(two music discs) + P(two movie discs) + P(two game discs)
= 30%  30% + 54%  54% + (1 – 30% – 54%)  (1 – 30% – 54%) 1M
= 0.407 2 1A

(c) P(exactly one game disc)

= 1 – P(two discs are not game discs) – P(two game discs)
= 1 – 0.705 6 – (1 – 30% – 54%)  (1 – 30% – 54%) 1M
= 0.268 8 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.6

<code=SMath007845>
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A letter is selected randomly from each of the two words ‘MOON’ and ‘MONOPOLY’. Find the
probability of each of the following events.
(a) One letter selected is ‘M’ and the other is ‘O’.
(b) The two letters selected are the same.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(one letter selected is ‘M’ and the other is ‘O’)
= P(an ‘M’ is selected from ‘MOON’) × P(an ‘O’ is selected from ‘MONOPOLY’) +
P(an ‘M’ is selected from ‘MONOPOLY’) × P(an ‘O’ is selected from ‘MOON’)
1 3 1 2
=4 ×8 +8 ×4 1M
5
= 32 1A

(b) P(the two letters are the same)

= P(both letters are ‘M’) + P(both letters are ‘O’) + P(both letters are ‘N’)
1 1 2 3 1 1
=4 ×8 +4 ×8 +4 ×8 1M
1
=4 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.7

<code=SMath007846>
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The probabilities that Annie, Daisy and Flora pass a driving test are 0.75, 0.64 and 0.9
respectively. Assume that their results for the test are independent.
(a) Find the probability that only one of them passes the test.
(b) Find the probability that they all pass the test.
(c) Find the probability that at most two of them pass the test.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(only one of them passes the test)
= P(only Annie passes the test)  P(only Daisy passes the test)  P(only Flora passes the test)
= 0.75  (1 – 0.64)  (1 – 0.9) + (1 – 0.75)  0.64  (1 – 0.9) +
(1 – 0.75)  (1 – 0.64)  0.9 1M
= 0.124 1A

(b) P(they all pass the test)

= P(Annie passes the test)  P(Daisy passes the test)  P(Flora passes the test)
= 0.75  0.64  0.9 1M
= 0.432 1A

(c) P(at most two of them pass the test)

= 1 – P(they all pass the test)
= 1 – 0.432 1M
= 0.568 1A
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© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.8

<code=SMath007847>
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3 1 2
In a shooting game, the probabilities that Alan, Bruce and Carl hit the target are 7 , 2 and 5
respectively. If each of them shoots once now, find the probability of each of the following events.
(a) Only Alan and Carl hit the target.
(b) All of them miss the target.
(c) At least one of them hits the target.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(only Alan and Carl hit the target)
= P(Alan hits the target) × P(Bruce misses the target) × P(Carl hits the target)

=7 ×
( )
3 1− 1 2
2 ×5 1M
3
= 35 1A

(b) P(all of them miss the target)

= P(Alan misses the target) × P(Bruce misses the target) × P(Carl misses the target)

=
( )( )( )
1−
3
7 ×
1−
1
2 ×
1−
2
5 1M
6
= 35 1A

(c) P(at least one of them hits the target)

= 1 – P(all of them miss the target)
6
= 1 – 35 1M
29
= 35 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.9

<code=SMath007848>
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Philip participates in three speech competitions. The probabilities that he wins prizes in the first,
the second and the third competitions are 0.8, 0.7 and 0.45 respectively. Assume that his
performances in the three competitions are independent.
(a) Find the probability that he wins a prize in one competition only.
(b) Find the probability that he wins prizes in two competitions only.
(c) Find the probability that he wins prize(s).
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(winning in one competition only)
= P(winning in the 1st competition only) + P(winning in the 2nd competition only) +
P(winning in the 3rd competition only)
= 0.8  (1 – 0.7)  (1 – 0.45) + (1 – 0.8)  0.7  (1 – 0.45) +
(1 – 0.8)  (1 – 0.7)  0.45 1M
= 0.236 1A

(b) P(winning in two competitions only)

= P(winning in the 1st and the 2nd competitions only) +
P(winning in the 1st and the 3rd competitions only) +
P(winning in the 2nd and the 3rd competitions only)
= 0.8  0.7  (1 – 0.45) + 0.8  (1 – 0.7)  0.45 + (1 – 0.8)  0.7  0.45 1M
= 0.479 1A

(c) P(winning prize(s))

= P(winning in one competition only) + P(winning in two competitions only) +
P(winning in the three competitions)
= 0.236 + 0.479 + 0.8  0.7  0.45 1M
= 0.967 1A

Alternative method:
P(winning prize(s))
= 1 – P(not winning any prizes in the three competitions)
= 1 – (1 – 0.8)  (1 – 0.7)  (1 – 0.45) 1M
= 0.967 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.10

<code=SMath007849>
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A machine is composed of three independent components A, B and C. When component A
functions properly, and at least one of components B and C functions properly, the machine
functions properly. The probabilities that A, B and C function properly are 0.8, 0.9 and 0.9
respectively. Find the probability of each of the following events.
(a) Only one of B and C functions properly.
(b) B and C function properly.
(c) The machine functions properly.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(only one of B and C functions properly)
= P(only B functions properly) + P(only C functions properly)
= 0.9  (1  0.9) + (1  0.9)  0.9 1M
= 0.18 1A

(b) P(B and C function properly)

= P(B functions properly)  P(C functions properly)
= 0.9  0.9
= 0.81 1A

(c) P(the machine functions properly)

= P(A functions properly, and at least one of B and C functions properly)
= P(A functions properly)  P(at least one of B and C functions properly)
= P(A functions properly)  [P(only one of B and C functions properly) +
P(B and C function properly)]
= 0.8  (0.18 + 0.81) 1M
= 0.792 1A
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© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.11

<code=SMath007850>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
The situations that three machines A, B and C malfunction are independent. The probability that A
malfunctions is 0.2. The probability that B malfunctions is 0.1. The probability that both B and C
malfunction is 0.025. Find the probability of each of the following events.
(a) C malfunctions.
(b) A, B and C all malfunction.
(c) Only two of the machines malfunction.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(both B and C malfunction) = P(B malfunctions)  P(C malfunctions)
0.025 = 0.1  P(C malfunctions) 1M
P(C malfunctions) = 0.25 1A

(b) P(A, B and C all malfunction)

= P(A malfunctions)  P(B malfunctions)  P(C malfunctions)
= 0.2  0.1  0.25 1M
= 0.005 1A

(c) P(only two of the machines malfunction)

= P(only A and B malfunction, C functions properly) +
P(only A and C malfunction, B functions properly) +
P(only B and C malfunction, A functions properly)
= 0.2  0.1  (1  0.25) + 0.2  (1  0.1)  0.25 + (1  0.2)  0.1  0.25 1M
= 0.08 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.12

<code=SMath007851>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
Stephy repeats drawing a card at a time randomly from a pack of 52 playing cards with
replacement until a face card is drawn.
(a) Find the probability that exactly three draws are needed.
(b) Find the probability that at least three draws are needed.
(c) Stephy claims that the probability that at most two draws are needed is greater than the
probability that at least three draws are needed. Do you agree? Explain your answer.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(exactly three draws are needed)
= P(1st card is not a face card)  P(2nd card is not a face card)  P(3rd card is a face card)
40 40 12
× ×
= 52 52 52 1M
300
= 2197 1A

(b) P(at least three draws are needed)

= 1 – P(exactly one draw is needed) – P(exactly two draws are needed)
= 1 – P(1st card is a face card) – P(1st card is not a face card)  P(2nd card is a face card)
12 40 12
×
= 1 – 52 – 52 52 1M
100
= 169 1A

(c) P(at most two draws are needed)

= 1 – P(at least three draws are needed)
100
= 1 – 169 1M
69
= 169
69 100
∵ 169 <169
∴ The claim is disagreed. 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.13

<code=SMath007852>
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Box A contains 5 red cards and 2 yellow cards while box B contains 4 red cards and 6 yellow
cards. If a box is randomly chosen and then a card is randomly drawn from the box chosen, find
the probability that a yellow card is drawn.
(3 marks)
Solution:
P(a yellow card)
= P(box A is chosen)  P(a yellow card is drawn from box A) +
P(box B is chosen)  P(a yellow card is drawn from box B)

= 1M+1M

= 1A
<end>

<code=SMath007853>
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Bag P contains 2 black balls and 6 white balls while bag Q contains 5 black balls and 4 white
balls. If a bag is randomly chosen and then a ball is randomly drawn from the bag chosen, find the
probability that a white ball is drawn.
(3 marks)
Solution:
P(a white ball)
= P(bag P is chosen)  P(a white ball is drawn from bag P) +
P(bag Q is chosen)  P(a white ball is drawn from bag Q)

= 1M+1M

= 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.14

<code=SMath007854>
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There are 9 boys and 7 girls in group A. There are 6 boys and 8 girls in group B.
(a) A student is randomly selected from group A and moved to group B. Then a student is
randomly selected from group B. Find the probability that a boy is selected from group B.
(b) Two students are randomly selected from group A and moved to group B. Then a student is
randomly selected from group B. Find the probability that a girl is selected from group B.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(a boy is selected from group B)
= P(a boy is selected from A and a boy is selected from B) +
P(a girl is selected from A and a boy is selected from B)
= P(a boy is selected from A)  P(a boy is selected from B | a boy is selected from A) +
P(a girl is selected from A)  P(a boy is selected from B | a girl is selected from A)
9 7 7 6
× + ×
= 16 15 16 15 1M
7
= 16 1A

(b) P(a girl is selected from group B)

= P(two boys are selected from A and a girl is selected from B) +
P(two girls are selected from A and a girl is selected from B) +
P(a boy and a girl are selected from A and a girl is selected from B)
9 8 8 7 6 10 9 7 7 9
× × + × × + × + × × ( 9
= 16 15 16 16 15 16 16 15 16 15 16
) 1M
71
= 128 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.15

<code=SMath007855>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
In a backpack, there are 10 table tennis balls, 7 tennis balls and 8 golf balls. If 3 balls are drawn at
random from the backpack one by one without replacement, find the probability of each of the
following events.
(a) The 3 balls drawn are tennis balls.
(b) The 3 balls drawn are of the same type.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) Total number of balls = 10 + 7 + 8
= 25
7 6 5
P(3 tennis balls) = 25  24  23 1M
7
= 460 1A

(b) P(3 balls of the same type)

= P(3 table tennis balls) + P(3 tennis balls) + P(3 golf balls)
10 9 8 7 8 7 6
= 25  24  23 + 460 + 25  24  23 1M
6 7 14
= 115 + 460 + 575
211
= 2300 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.16

<code=SMath007856>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
There are 6 red balls, 5 yellow balls and 10 white balls in a box. Two balls are randomly drawn
from the box one by one without replacement.
(a) Find the probability that the two balls drawn are of the same colour.
(b) Someone claims that the probability that the two balls drawn are of the same colour is greater
than the probability that one red ball and one white ball are drawn. Do you agree? Explain
your answer.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) Total number of balls
= 6 + 5 + 10
= 21
P(same colour)
= P(two red balls) + P(two yellow balls) + P(two white balls)
= P(1st ball is a red ball)  P(2nd ball is a red ball | 1st ball is a red ball) +
P(1st ball is a yellow ball)  P(2nd ball is a yellow ball | 1st ball is a yellow ball) +
P(1st ball is a white ball)  P(2nd ball is a white ball | 1st ball is a white ball)
6 5 5 4 10 9
× + × + ×
= 21 20 21 20 21 20 1M
1
=3 1A

(b) P(one red ball and one white ball)

= P(1st ball is a red ball)  P(2nd ball is a white ball | 1st ball is a red ball) +
P(1st ball is a white ball)  P(2nd ball is a red ball | 1st ball is a white ball)
6 10 10 6
× + ×
= 21 20 21 20 1M
2
=7
1 2
∵ 3 >7
∴ The claim is agreed. 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.17

<code=SMath007857>
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A box contains seven balls numbered 3, 5, 5, 7, 9, 9 and 9 respectively. Jessie repeats drawing one
ball at a time randomly from the box without replacement until the number drawn is 9. Find the
probability that she needs exactly three draws.
(3 marks)
Solution:
P(exactly three draws)
= P(1st one is not 9)  P(2nd one is not 9 | 1st one is not 9) 
P(3rd one is 9 | 1st one and 2nd one are not 9)

= 1M+1M

= 1A
<end>

<code=SMath007858>
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A bag contains eight cards numbered 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8 and 9 respectively. Peter repeats drawing
one card at a time randomly from the bag without replacement until the number drawn is 8. Find
the probability that he needs exactly four draws.
(3 marks)
Solution:
P(exactly four draws)
= P(1st one is not 8)  P(2nd one is not 8 | 1st one is not 8) 
P(3rd one is not 8 | 1st one and 2nd one are not 8) 
P(4th one is 8 | 1st one, 2nd one and 3rd one are not 8)

= 1M+1M

= 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.18

<code=SMath007859>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=3><content>
A box contains 7 green cups, 3 blue cups and 2 red cups. Sandy repeats drawing one cup at a time
randomly from the box without replacement until a blue cup is drawn. Find the probability that she
needs at most three draws.
(3 marks)
Solution:
P(at most three draws)
= P(1st one is blue) + P(1st one is not blue)  P(2nd one is blue | 1st one is not blue) +
P(1st one is not blue)  P(2nd one is not blue | 1st one is not blue) 
P(3rd one is blue | 1st one and 2nd one are not blue)

= 1M+1M

= 1A
<end>

<code=SMath007860>
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A bag contains 3 red plates, 7 yellow plates and 6 purple plates. Mike repeats drawing one plate at
a time randomly from the bag without replacement until a purple plate is drawn. Find the
probability that he needs at most four draws.
(3 marks)
Solution:
P(at most four draws)
= P(1st one is purple) + P(1st one is not purple)  P(2nd one is purple | 1st one is not purple) +
P(1st one is not purple)  P(2nd one is not purple | 1st one is not purple) 
P(3rd one is purple | 1st one and 2nd one are not purple) +
P(1st one is not purple)  P(2nd one is not purple | 1st one is not purple) 
P(3rd one is not purple | 1st one and 2nd one are not purple) 
P(4th one is purple | 1st one, 2nd one and 3rd one are not purple)

= 1M+1M

= 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.19

<code=SMath007861>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
There are 5 pens, 2 pencils and 3 rulers in a drawer. Elaine repeats drawing one item at a time
randomly from the drawer without replacement until a pencil is drawn.
(a) Find the probability that she needs exactly 3 draws.
(b) Find the probability that she draws each kind of items once.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(exactly 3 draws)
= P(1st one is a pen or a ruler)  P(2nd one is a pen or a ruler | 1st one is a pen or a ruler) 
P(3rd one is a pencil | 1st one and 2nd one are pens or rulers)
8 7 2
× ×
= 10 9 8 1M
7
= 45 1A

(b) P(draws each kind of item once)

= P(first two items are a pen and a ruler, and 3rd one is a pencil)
= P(1st one is a pen, 2nd one is a ruler and 3rd one is a pencil) +
P(1st one is a ruler, 2nd one is a pen and 3rd one is a pencil)
= P(1st one is a pen)  P(2nd one is a ruler | 1st one is a pen) 
P(3rd one is a pencil | 1st one is a pen and 2nd one is a ruler) +
P(1st one is a ruler)  P(2nd one is a pen | 1st one is a ruler) 
P(3rd one is a pencil | 1st one is a ruler and 2nd one is a pen)
5 3 2 3 5 2
× × + × ×
= 10 9 8 10 9 8 1M
1
= 12 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.20

<code=SMath007862>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
Sam and Keith take turns to make shots on a basketball court until one of them makes a basket.
The probability that Sam makes a basket at his first shot is 0.6. From the second shot onwards, the
probability that Sam makes a basket in each shot is 80% of the probability that he makes a basket
in the previous shot. The probability that Keith makes a basket at each shot is 0.8. Assume that
Sam makes a shot first.
(a) Find the probability that Sam makes one shot only.
(b) Find the probability that each of them makes two shots.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(Sam makes one shot only)
= P(Sam makes a basket in his 1st shot) +
P(Sam does not make a basket in his 1st shot)  P(Keith makes a basket in his 1st shot)
= 0.6 + (1 – 0.6)  0.8 1M
= 0.92 1A

(b) P(each of them makes two shots)

= (1 – 0.6)  (1 – 0.8)  (1 – 0.6  0.8)  0.8 1M
= 0.033 28 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.21

<code=SMath007863>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
A lamp shows red light or green light after it is switched on each time. When the lamp is switched
1
on at the first time, the probabilities that it shows red light and green light are both 2 . From the
second time onwards, if the lamp shows red light in the previous time, the probability of getting
1
red light the next time is 3 . If the lamp shows green light in the previous time, the probability of
2
getting green light the next time is 5 .
(a) Find the probability that the lamp shows red light after it is switched on twice.
(b) Find the probability that the lamp shows green light for the first time after it is switched on
three times.
(c) Find the probability that the lamp exactly shows red light twice when it is switched on three
times.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) The required probability
= P(red light in the 1st time)  P(red light in the 2nd time | red light in the 1st time) +
P(green light in the 1st time)  P(red light in the 2nd time | green light in the 1st time)
1 1 1
× + × 1−
=2 3 2
2
5 ( ) 1M
7
= 15 1A

(b) The required probability

= P(red light in the 1st time)  P(red light in the 2nd time | red light in the 1st time) 
P(green light in the 3rd time | red light in the first two times)
1 1
× × 1−
=2 3
1
3 ( ) 1M
1
=9 1A

(c) The required probability

= P(red light in the first two times, and green light in the 3rd time) +
P(red light in the 1st and the 3rd times, and green light in the 2nd time) +
P(red light in the 2nd and the 3rd times, and green light in the 1st time)
1 1 1
( )( ) ( )
2 1 2 1
+ × 1− × 1− + × 1− ×
=9 2 3 5 2 5 3 1M

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.22

 37
= 90 1A
<end>
<code=SMath007864>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
In a fast food shop, the waiting times (in min) of 10 customers are recorded as follows:
2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 7, 10
It is found that if the waiting time of a customer in the fast food shop is less than 3.5 min, then the
3
probability that the customer will come again is 4 . Otherwise, the probability that the customer
1
will come again is 5 .
(a) If a customer is randomly selected from the 10 customers, find the probability that the
customer will come again.
(b) Two customers are randomly selected from the 10 customers. If the waiting times of both
customers selected are less than 3.5 min, find the probability that only one of the customers
selected will come again.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(customer will come again)
= P(waiting time is less than 3.5 min) 
P(customer will come again | waiting time is less than 3.5 min) +
P(waiting time is not less than 3.5 min) 
P(customer will come again | waiting time is not less than 3.5 min)
4 3 6 1
× + ×
= 10 4 10 5 1M
21
= 50 1A

(b) P(only one of the customers will come again | waiting times of both customers selected are less
than 3.5 min)
= P(1st customer will come again and 2nd customer will not come again | waiting times of both
customers selected are less than 3.5 min) +
P(1st customer will not come again and 2nd customer will come again | waiting times of both
customers selected are less than 3.5 min)
3
=4
( )( )
3 3 3
× 1− + 1− ×
4 4 4 1M
3
=8 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.23

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.24
<code=SMath007865>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
In a shooting game, Chris and David take turns to shoot at a target. The probability that Chris hits
the target on each shot is 0.25. The probability that David hits the target on his first shot is 0.6.
From the second shot onwards, the probability that David hits the target on each shot is 80% of the
probability that he hits the target on the previous shot. The one who hits the target first wins the
game and the game ends. Chris shoots first.
(a) Find the probability that each of them makes two shots in the game.
(b) Is the probability that Chris needs to make the third shot greater than 0.15? Explain your
answer.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(each of them makes two shots)
= P(Chris does not hit the target on his 1st shot) 
P(David does not hit the target on his 1st shot) 
P(Chris does not hit the target on his 2nd shot)  P(David hits the target on his 2nd shot)
= (1  0.25)  (1  0.6)  (1  0.25)  0.6  80% 1M
= 0.108 1A

(b) P(Chris needs to make the 3rd shot)

= P(Chris does not hit the target on his 1st shot) 
P(David does not hit the target on his 1st shot) 
P(Chris does not hit the target on his 2nd shot) 
P(David does not hit the target on his 2nd shot)
= (1  0.25)  (1  0.6)  (1  0.25)  (1  0.6  80%) 1M
= 0.117
< 0.15
∴ The probability that Chris needs to make the third shot is not greater than 0.15. 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.25

<code=SMath007866>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
Bag A contains 3 red marbles and 5 green marbles. Bag B contains 4 red marbles and 2 green
marbles. In a game, a marble is randomly drawn from bag A and put into bag B. Then two marbles
are randomly drawn from bag B one by one without replacement.
(a) Find the probability that a red marble and a green marble are drawn from bag B.
(b) A player pays $14 for the game. If the two marbles drawn from bag B are of the same colour,
then the player gets $28. Otherwise, the player gets nothing. Is the game favour to the player?
Explain your answer.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(a red marble and a green marble from bag B)
= P(a red marble from bag A) 
P(a red marble and a green marble from bag B | a red marble from bag A) +
P(a green marble from bag A) 
P(a red marble and a green marble from bag B | a green marble from bag A)
= P(a red marble from bag A) 
[P(1st marble from bag B is red | a red marble from bag A) 
P(2nd marble from bag B is green | a red marble from bag A and
1st marble from bag B is red) +
P(1st marble from bag B is green | a red marble from bag A) 
P(2nd marble from bag B is red | a red marble from bag A and
1st marble from bag B is green)] +
P(a green marble from bag A) 
[P(1st marble from bag B is red | a green marble from bag A) 
P(2nd marble from bag B is green | a green marble from bag A and
1st marble from bag B is red) +
P(1st marble from bag B is green | a green marble from bag A) 
P(2nd marble from bag B is red | a green marble from bag A and
1st marble from bag B is green)]

(
3 5 2 2 5 5 4 3 3 4
× × + × + × × + ×
8 7 6 7 6 8 7 6 7 6) ( )
= 1M
15
= 28 1A

(b) P(same colour)

= 1  P(a red marble and a green marble from bag B)
15
1−
= 28 1M
© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.26
 13
= 28
Expected value of the amount got by the player

(28×1328 +0×1528 )
=$ 1M
= $13
< $14
∴ The game is not favour to the player. 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.27

<code=SMath007867>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=7><content>
There are 40 coins in a box. The table shows the numbers of different coins in the box.
Face value ($) 0.5 1 2 5 10
Number of coins 12 4 9 x 5
(a) Find the value of x.
(b) A coin is randomly drawn from the box. Find the expected value of the face value of the coin
drawn.
(c) Two coins are randomly drawn from the box one by one without replacement. The total face
value of the coins drawn is $k. Find the probability of each of the following events.
(i) k is not an integer.
(ii) k > 12
(7 marks)
Solution:
(a) 12 + 4 + 9 + x + 5 = 40
x = 10 1A

(b) Expected value of the face value of the coin drawn

(0 . 5×1240 +1× 404 +2×409 +5×1040 +10×405 )

=$ 1M
= $3.2 1A

(c) (i) P(k is not an integer)

= P(two $0.5 coins or no $0.5 coins are drawn)
= P(two $0.5 coins are drawn) + P(no $0.5 coins are drawn)
= P(1st coin drawn is a $0.5 coin) 
P(2nd coin drawn is a $0.5 coin | 1st coin drawn is a $0.5 coin) +
P(1st coin drawn is not a $0.5 coin) 
P(2nd coin drawn is not a $0.5 coin | 1st coin drawn is not a $0.5 coin)
12 11 4+9+ 10+5 4+ 9+10+5−1
× + ×
= 40 39 40 39 1M
37
= 65 1A

(ii) P(k > 12)

= P(a $5 coin and a $10 coin are drawn, or two $10 coins are drawn)
= P(a $5 coin and a $10 coin are drawn) + P(two $10 coins are drawn)
= P(1st coin drawn is a $5 coin) 
P(2nd coin drawn is a $10 coin | 1st coin drawn is a $5 coin) +

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.28

 P(1st coin drawn is a $10 coin) 
P(2nd coin drawn is a $5 coin | 1st coin drawn is a $10 coin) +
P(1st coin drawn is a $10 coin) 
P(2nd coin drawn is a $10 coin | 1st coin drawn is a $10 coin)
10 5 5 10 5 4
× + × + ×
= 40 39 40 39 40 39 1M
1
= 13 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.29

<code=SMath007868>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
2 3 1
The probabilities that Stella, Winnie and Jessie pass an examination are 5 , 4 and 3 respectively.
Assume that their results are independent.
(a) Find the probability that at least one of them passes the examination.
(b) Find the probability that only one of them passes the examination.
(c) Given that at least one of them passes the examination, find the probability that only one of
them passes the examination.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) P(at least one of them passes)
= 1  P(three of them do not pass)
= 1  P(Stella does not pass)  P(Winnie does not pass)  P(Jessie does not pass)

=
( )( )( )
2
5
3
1− 1− × 1− × 1−
4
1
3 1M
9
= 10 1A

(b) P(only one of them passes)

= P(only Stella passes) + P(only Winnie passes) + P(only Jessie passes)
2
=5
( )( )( ) ( )( ) ( )
3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1
× 1− × 1− + 1− × × 1− + 1− × 1− ×
4 3 5 4 3 5 4 3 1M
5
= 12 1A

(c) P(only one of them passes | at least one of them passes)

P(only one of them passes)
= P (at least one of them passes )
5
12
9
= 10 1M
25
= 54 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.30

<code=SMath007869>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
There are 4 teachers, 5 parents and 3 students in a committee. 6 members are randomly selected
from the committee.
(a) Find the number of ways of selecting 6 members.
(b) Find the probability that only 2 teachers and 2 parents are selected.
(c) Find the probability that the numbers of teachers, parents and students selected are not all the
same.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) The required number of ways
12
=C6
= 924 1A

(b) The required probability

C24 ×C52 ×C 32
C12
6
= 1M
15
= 77 1A

(c) The required probability

15
= 1 – 77 1M
62
= 77 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.31

<code=SMath007870>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
6 photos are randomly chosen from 5 black-and-white photos and 7 colour photos for a
photography competition.
(a) Find the probability that exactly 4 black-and-white photos are chosen.
(b) Find the probability that at least 4 black-and-white photos are chosen.
(4 marks)
Solution:
12
(a) Number of ways of choosing 6 photos from 12 photos = C 6
5
Number of ways of choosing 4 black-and-white photos from 5 black-and-white photos = C 4
7
Number of ways of choosing 2 colour photos from 7 colour photos = C 2
∴ The required probability
C54 ×C72

= C12
6 1M
5
= 44 1A

5
(b) Number of ways of choosing 5 black-and-white photos from 5 black-and-white photos = C 5
7
Number of ways of choosing 1 colour photo from 7 colour photos = C 1
∴ The required probability
= P(exactly 4 black-and-white photos are chosen) +
P(exactly 5 black-and-white photos are chosen)
5 7
5 C5 ×C 1
= 44 + C 12
6 1M
4
= 33 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.32

<code=SMath007871>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
There are 12 valid coupons and 4 expired coupons in a wallet. 5 coupons are randomly drawn from
the wallet at the same time.
(a) Find the probability that exactly 3 valid coupons are drawn.
(b) Find the probability that at most 3 valid coupons are drawn.
(5 marks)
Solution:
16
(a) Number of ways of drawing 5 coupons from 16 coupons = C 5
12
Number of ways of drawing 3 valid coupons from 12 valid coupons = C 3
4
Number of ways of drawing 2 expired coupons from 4 expired coupons = C 2
∴ The required probability
C12 4
3 ×C 2

= C 16
5 1M
55
= 182 1A

12 4
(b) Number of ways of drawing 2 valid coupons and 3 expired coupons = C 2 ×C3
12 4
Number of ways of drawing 1 valid coupon and 4 expired coupons = C 1 ×C 4
∴ The required probability
= P(exactly 3 valid coupons are drawn) + P(exactly 2 valid coupons are drawn) +
P(exactly 1 valid coupon is drawn)
55 C12 4 12
2 ×C 3 C 1 ×C 4
4
+ +
182 C 16 C16
= 5 5 1M+1M
19
= 52 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.33

<code=SMath007872>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
There are 6 dogs and 9 cats in a room. If 7 pets are randomly chosen from the room at the same
time,
(a) find the probability that at least 5 dogs are chosen,
(b) find the probability that more than 2 cats are chosen.
(5 marks)
Solution:
15
(a) Number of ways of choosing 7 pets from 15 pets = C 7
6 9
Number of ways of choosing 5 dogs and 2 cats = C 5 ×C2
6 9
Number of ways of choosing 6 dogs and 1 cat = C 6 ×C1
P(at least 5 dogs)
= P(5 dogs and 2 cats) + P(6 dogs and 1 cat)
C 65 ×C 92 C 66 ×C 91
15
+
= C 7 C 15
7 1M+1M
5
= 143 1A

(b) P(more than 2 cats)

= P(less than 5 dogs)
= 1  P(at least 5 dogs)
5
= 1 143 1M
138
= 143 1A

Alternative method:
6 9
Number of ways of choosing 4 dogs and 3 cats = C 4 ×C 3
6 9
Number of ways of choosing 3 dogs and 4 cats = C 3 ×C 4
6 9
Number of ways of choosing 2 dogs and 5 cats = C 2 ×C5
6 9
Number of ways of choosing 1 dog and 6 cats = C 1 ×C6
9
Number of ways of choosing 7 cats = C 7
P(more than 2 cats)
= P(4 dogs and 3 cats) + P(3 dogs and 4 cats) + P(2 dogs and 5 cats) + P(1 dog and 6 cats) +
P(7 cats)
C64 ×C93 C63 ×C 94 C62 ×C 95 C61 ×C 96 C 97

= C15
7 + C15
7 + C 15
7 + C 15
7
15
+ C7 1M

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.34

 138
= 143 1A
<end>

<code=SMath007873>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
The student union of a school consists of 6 boys and 9 girls. 5 students are randomly selected from
the student union.
(a) Find the number of ways of selecting 5 students from the student union.
(b) Find the probability that 5 girls are selected.
(c) Find the probability that at least 1 boy is selected.
(5 marks)
Solution:
C 6+9
5
(a) The required number of ways =
= 3 003 1A

(b) P(5 girls) = 1M

6
= 143 1A

(c) P(at least 1 boy) = 1 – P(5 girls)

6
= 1 – 143 1M
137
= 143 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.35

<code=SMath007874>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
There are 5 departments in an organization. A volunteer team of 20 members are formed by
4 representatives from each department. 3 members are randomly selected from the volunteer
team.
(a) Find the probability that the 3 members selected are from 3 different departments.
(b) Find the probability that the 3 members selected are from at most 2 different departments.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) The required probability
C53 ×C 41 ×C 41 ×C 41
C20
3
= 1M+1M
32
= 57 1A

(b) The required probability

32
= 1 – 57 1M
25
= 57 1A
<end>

<code=SMath007875>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
There are 9 buildings in a housing estate. 4 owners from each building attend a forum. 4 owners
are randomly selected from the forum.
(a) Find the probability that the 4 owners selected come from 4 different buildings.
(b) Find the probability that the 4 owners selected come from 2 different buildings.
(5 marks)
Solution:
9 4 4 4 4
C 4 ¿ C 1¿ C 1¿ C 1¿ C1
36
C4
(a) P(from 4 different buildings) = 1M
512
= 935 1A

9 4 4 4 4 4 4
C 2 ¿ ( C 1 ¿ C 3 +C 2 ¿ C 2 +C 3 ¿ C 1 )
C 36
4
(b) P(from 2 different buildings) = 1M+1M

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.36

 16
= 385 1A
<end>

<code=SMath007876>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
A community centre runs 3 different interest classes on each of the days from Monday to Friday.
There are 15 different interest classes in total. Vincy randomly selects 4 different interest classes in
the community centre.
(a) Find the probability that the 4 interest classes selected are on 4 different days.
(b) Find the probability that the 4 interest classes selected are on 2 different days.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) Number of ways of selecting 4 interest classes from 15 interest classes
15
=C 4
Number of ways of selecting 4 days from 5 days
5
=C4
Number of ways of selecting 1 interest class from each of 4 days selected
3 3 3 3
= C 1¿ C1 ¿ C1 ¿ C1
∴ The required probability
5 3 3 3 3
C 4 ¿ C 1¿ C 1¿ C 1¿ C1
C 15
4
= 1M
27
= 91 1A

(b) The required probability

= P(3 interest classes on one day and 1 interest class on another day) +
P(2 interest classes on each of 2 days)
5 3 4 3
C 1 ¿ C 3 ¿ C 1 ¿ C 1 C 52 ¿C 32 ¿ C32
15
+
= C 4 C15
4 1M+1M
10
= 91 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.37

<code=SMath007877>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
A computer shop sells 8 types of wired mouses and 12 types of wireless mouses. 5 types of
mouses are randomly selected from the shop.
(a) Find the probability that at least 2 types of wired mouses and at least 2 types of wireless
mouses are selected.
(b) Find the probability that the number of types of wired mouses selected is greater than the
number of types of wireless mouses selected.
(5 marks)
Solution:
20
(a) Number of ways of selecting 5 types of mouses from 20 types of mouses = C 5
8
C
Number of ways of selecting 3 types of mouses from 8 types of wired mouses = 3
12
Number of ways of selecting 2 types of mouses from 12 types of wireless mouses = C 2
Number of ways of selecting 3 types of wired mouses and 2 types of wireless mouses
8 12
=C 3¿ C2
Similarly,
number of ways of selecting 2 types of wired mouses and 3 types of wireless mouses
8 12
=C 2¿ C3
∴ P(at least 2 types of wired mouses and at least 2 types of wireless mouses)
= P(3 types of wired mouses and 2 types of wireless mouses) +
P(2 types of wired mouses and 3 types of wireless mouses)
8 12
C 3 ¿C 2 C 82 ¿C 12
3
20
+ 20
C5 C5
= 1M+1M
616
= 969 1A

8
(b) Number of ways of selecting 5 types of mouses from 8 types of wired mouses = C 5
Number of ways of selecting 4 types of wired mouses and 1 type of wireless mouses
8 12
= C 4 ¿C 1
∴ The required probability
= P(5 types of wired mouses) +
P(4 types of wired mouses and 1 type of wireless mouses) +
P(3 types of wired mouses and 2 types of wireless mouses)
8
C 5 C 84 ¿C 12
1 C 83 ¿C 12
2
20
+ 20
+ 20
C5 C5 C5
= 1M

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.38

 287
= 969 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.39

<code=SMath007878>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
There are 5 communication apps, 4 entertainment apps and 6 education apps installed in a mobile
phone. 5 apps are randomly selected from these apps for a virus check.
(a) Find the probability that exactly 1 education app is selected.
(b) Find the probability that less than 2 education apps are selected.
(c) Find the probability that at least 2 education apps are selected.
(6 marks)
Solution:
15
(a) Number of ways of selecting 5 apps from 15 apps = C 5
6
Number of ways of selecting 1 education app from 6 education apps = C 1
Number of ways of selecting 4 apps from 5 communication apps and 4 entertainment apps
9
=C4
∴ The required probability
C61 ×C 94

= C15
5 1M
36
= 143 1A

(b) Number of ways of selecting 5 apps from 5 communication apps and 4 entertainment apps
9
=C5
∴ The required probability
= P(exactly 1 education app is selected) + P(no education apps are selected)
36 C 95
15
= 143 + C5 1M
42
= 143 1A

(c) The required probability

= 1  P(less than 2 education apps are selected)
42
= 1  143 1M
101
= 143 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.40

<code=SMath007879>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
In a group of students, 7 students live on Hong Kong Island, 5 students live in Kowloon and
6 students live in the New Territories. 8 students are randomly selected from the group.
(a) Find the probability that exactly 5 students who live on Hong Kong Island are selected.
(b) Find the probability that not less than 5 students who live on Hong Kong Island are selected.
(c) Find the probability that at most 4 students who live on Hong Kong Island are selected.
(6 marks)
Solution:
18
(a) Number of ways of selecting 8 students from 18 students = C 8
7
Number of ways of selecting 5 students from 7 students who live on Hong Kong Island = C 5
Number of ways of selecting 3 students from 5 students who live in Kowloon and
6 students who live in the New Territories
11
=C3
∴ The required probability
C75 ×C 11
3

= C18
8 1M
35
= 442 1A

7
(b) Number of ways of selecting 6 students from 7 students who live on Hong Kong Island = C 6
Number of ways of selecting 2 students from 5 students who live in Kowloon and
6 students who live in the New Territories
11
=C2
7
Number of ways of selecting 7 students from 7 students who live on Hong Kong Island = C 7
Number of ways of selecting 1 student from 5 students who live in Kowloon and
6 students who live in the New Territories
11
=C1
∴ The required probability
= P(exactly 5 students who live on Hong Kong Island are selected) +
P(exactly 6 students who live on Hong Kong Island are selected) +
P(exactly 7 students who live on Hong Kong Island are selected)
35 C76 ×C 11
2 C77 ×C 11
1

= 442 + C18
8 + C18
8 1M
3
= 34 1A

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.41

 (c) The required probability
= 1  P(not less than 5 students who live on Hong Kong Island are selected)
3
= 1  34 1M
31
= 34 1A
<end>

<code=SMath007880>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
There are 10 banknotes in a wallet. 2 of them are twenty-dollar banknotes, 3 of them are
fifty-dollar banknotes and 5 of them are hundred-dollar banknotes. 3 banknotes are randomly
selected from the wallet.
(a) Find the probability that the face values of exactly two banknotes selected are the same.
(b) Find the probability that the face values of the banknotes selected are all different.
(c) Find the probability that the total face value of the banknotes selected is not less than $200.
(6 marks)
Solution:
10
(a) Number of ways of selecting 3 banknotes from 10 banknotes = C 3
2
Number of ways of selecting 2 banknotes from 2 twenty-dollar banknotes = C 2
8
Number of ways of selecting 1 banknote from the remaining 8 banknotes = C 1
2 8
Number of ways of selecting exactly 2 twenty-dollar banknotes = C 2 ¿ C 1
Similarly,
3 7
number of ways of selecting exactly 2 fifty-dollar banknotes = C 2 ¿ C 1
5 5
number of ways of selecting exactly 2 hundred-dollar banknotes = C 2 ¿ C 1
∴ P(the face values of exactly two banknotes selected are the same)
= P(exactly 2 twenty-dollar banknotes) + P(exactly 2 fifty-dollar banknotes) +
P(exactly 2 hundred-dollar banknotes)
2 8
C 2 ¿ C 1 C32 ¿ C71 C52 ¿ C51
10
+ +
= C3 C103 C103 1M
79
= 120 1A

2
(b) Number of ways of selecting 1 banknote from 2 twenty-dollar banknotes = C 1
3
Number of ways of selecting 1 banknote from 3 fifty-dollar banknotes = C 1
5
Number of ways of selecting 1 banknote from 5 hundred-dollar banknotes = C 1
∴ P(the face values of the banknotes selected are all different)

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.42

 2 3 5
C1 ¿ C 1¿ C 1
10
= C3 1M
1
=4 1A

3
(c) Number of ways of selecting 2 banknotes from 3 fifty-dollar banknotes = C 2
Number of ways of selecting 2 fifty-dollar banknotes and 1 hundred-dollar banknote
3 5
=C 2¿ C1
5
Number of ways of selecting 2 banknotes from 5 hundred-dollar banknotes = C 2
8
Number of ways of selecting 1 banknote from the remaining 8 banknotes = C 1
5 8
Number of ways of selecting at least 2 hundred-dollar banknotes = C 2 ¿ C 1
∴ P(total face value is not less than $200)
= P(2 fifty-dollar banknotes and 1 hundred-dollar banknote) +
P(at least 2 hundred-dollar banknotes)
3 5
C 2 ¿ C 1 C52 ¿ C81
10
+ 10
C3 C3
= 1M
19
= 24 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.43

<code=SMath007881>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
6 students and 5 teachers are randomly arranged in a row for a photo. Find the probability that
(a) all teachers are next to each other in the row,
(b) no teachers are next to each other in the row.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) Number of ways of arranging 6 students and 5 teachers = 11!
Consider the 5 teachers as 1 unit.
Number of ways of arranging the 6 students and the 1 unit = 7!
Number of ways of arranging the teachers = 5!
∴ P(all teachers are next to each other in the row)
7 !×5!
= 11! 1M
1
= 66 1A

(b) Arrange the students first.

Number of ways of arranging the students = 6!
Since no teachers are next to each other, the 5 teachers must be separated by the students. After
the students are arranged, there are 7 places for the 5 teachers.
7
Number of ways of arranging the teachers = P5
∴ P(no teachers are next to each other in the row)
6 !×P75
= 11 ! 1M
1
= 22 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.44

<code=SMath007882>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
5 different white balls and 7 different yellow balls are randomly arranged in a row.
(a) Find the probability that the balls on the leftmost side and the rightmost side are white balls.
(b) Find the probability that no white balls are put next to each other.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) Number of ways of arranging the 12 balls = 12!
Arrange the balls on the leftmost side and the rightmost side first.
Number of ways of arranging the balls on the leftmost side and the rightmost side
5
= P2
Number of ways of arranging the remaining balls
= 10!
∴ The required probability
P 52×10 !
= 12 ! 1M
5
= 33 1A

(b) Step 1: Arrange the yellow balls first.

Number of ways of arranging the 7 yellow balls = 7!
Step 2: Since no white balls are put next to each other, the white balls must be separated by
the yellow balls. After the yellow balls are arranged, there are 8 places for the
8
5 white balls and the number of ways of arranging the white balls is P5 .
(Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6 and Y7 represent the 7 yellow balls.)
 Y1  Y2  Y3  Y4  Y5  Y6  Y7 
: possible places of the 5 white balls
∴ The required probability
7 ! ×P 85
= 12 ! 1M
7
= 99 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.45

<code=SMath007883>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
7 girls and 4 boys randomly form a queue at a MTR platform.
(a) Find the probability that the girls stand next to each other.
(b) Find the probability that the boys stand next to each other and the girls stand next to each
other.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) Number of ways of arranging the 11 people = 11!
Consider the 7 girls as one unit.
Number of ways of arranging the 4 boys and the unit = 5!
Number of ways of arranging the 7 girls = 7!
∴ The required probability
5! ×7!
= 11! 1M
1
= 66 1A

(b) Consider the 7 girls as one unit and the 4 boys as another unit.
Number of ways of arranging the 2 units = 2!
Number of ways of arranging the 7 girls = 7!
Number of ways of arranging the 4 boys = 4!
∴ The required probability
2! ×7! ×4!
= 11! 1M
1
= 165 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.46

<code=SMath007884>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=5><content>
Tina, Sally and 7 friends sit in three rows to take a photo. There are 3 people in each row.
(a) How many seating arrangements are there?
(b) If they are arranged to sit at random, find the probability of each of the following events.
(i) Tina and Sally sit in different rows.
(ii) Tina and Sally sit in the same row, but do not sit next to each other.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) The required number of seating arrangements
=9!
=362880 1A

(b) (i) P(in different rows)

P32 ×P31 ×P31 ×7 !
=
362 880 1M
3
=
4
1A

(ii) P(in the same row but not next to each other)
P31 ×2 !×7 !
=
362 880 1M
1
=
12
1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.47

<code=SMath007885>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
4 girls (Amy, Brianna, Candy, Dorothy) and 5 boys participate in a flute performance. Each
participant will perform once and the order of performance is randomly arranged.
(a) (i) Find the probability that no girls perform successively.
(ii) Find the probability that among the girls, only Amy and Brianna perform successively.
(b) 5 participants are randomly chosen from the 9 participants to participate in a piano
performance. In the piano performance, each participant will perform once and the order of
performance is randomly arranged. Find the probability that Amy and Brianna are chosen,
and they perform successively in the piano performance.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) (i) Number of ways of arranging the 9 participants = 9!
Arrange the boys first.
Number of ways of arranging the boys = 5!
Since no girls perform successively, the 4 girls must be separated by the boys. After the
boys are arranged, there are 6 places for the 4 girls.
6
Number of ways of arranging the girls = P4
∴ P(no girls perform successively)
5!×P64
= 9! 1M
5
= 42 1A

(ii) Arrange the boys first.

Number of ways of arranging the boys = 5!
Consider Amy and Brianna as 1 unit. Together with Candy and Dorothy, there are (2 + 1)
units, i.e. 3 units. Since only Amy and Brianna perform successively, the 3 units must be
separated by the boys. After the boys are arranged, there are 6 places for the 3 units.
6
Number of ways of arranging the 3 units = P3
Number of ways of arranging Amy and Brianna = 2!
∴ P(only Amy and Brianna perform successively)
5!×P63 ×2 !
= 9! 1M
5
= 63 1A

9
(b) Number of ways of arranging 5 participants from 9 participants = P5
When Amy and Brianna are chosen,

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.48

 7
number of ways of choosing 3 participants from the remaining 7 participants = C 3
Consider Amy and Brianna as 1 unit.
Number of ways of arranging the other 3 participants and the 1 unit = 4!
Number of ways of arranging Amy and Brianna = 2!
∴ The required probability
C73 ×4 !×2!

= P95 1M
1
=9 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.49

<code=SMath007886>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
There are 10 successive parking spaces in a car park. 5 taxis and 5 vans randomly park into these
spaces.
(a) Find the probability that there are exactly 2 taxis in the leftmost 3 spaces.
(b) Find the probability that the taxis and the vans park alternately.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) Number of ways of arranging the 10 vehicles = 10!
Arrange the vehicles in the leftmost 3 spaces first.
5
Number of ways of selecting 2 taxis from 5 taxis = C 2
5
C
Number of ways of selecting 1 van from 5 vans = 1
Number of ways of arranging 2 taxis and 1 van = 3!
Number of ways of arranging the remaining vehicles = 7!
∴ The required probability
5 5
C 2 ¿ C 1 ¿ 3 ! ×7 !
= 10 ! 1M
5
= 12 1A

(b) Step 1: Arrange the taxis first.

Number of ways of arranging the 5 taxis = 5!
Step 2: Since the taxis and the vans park alternately, the vans can be arranged as follows:
(i) (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 represent the 5 taxis.)
 T1  T2  T3  T4  T5
(ii) T1  T2  T3  T4  T5 
: possible places of the 5 vans
For (i) or (ii), there are 5 places for the vans and the number of ways of arranging
them is 5!.
∴ The required probability
5! ×5! ×2
= 10! 1M
1
= 126 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.50

<code=SMath007887>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=6><content>
9 boys and 6 girls participate in a quiz competition. 5 of the participants will go to the final of the
competition. Suppose the probabilities that the 15 participants can go to the final are the same.
(a) Find the probability that exactly one girl goes to the final.
(b) In the final, 5 participants are randomly arranged to sit in 5 successive chairs.
(i) Find the probability that exactly one girl goes to the final and sits in the middle.
(ii) Find the probability that exactly one girl goes to the final and sits immediately on the left
of a particular boy.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) The required probability
9 6
C 4¿C 1
= C 15
5 1M
36
= 143 1A

(b) (i) The required probability

P 61 ×P94

= P15
5 1M
36
= 715 1A

(ii) Step 1: Arrange the other 3 boys first.

8
Number of ways of arranging the other 3 boys = P3
Step 2: Consider the particular boy and a girl as one unit. After the other 3 boys are
arranged, there are 4 places for the unit and the number of ways of arranging
4
the unit is P1 .
(B1, B2 and B3 represent the other 3 boys.)
 B1  B2  B3 
: possible places of the unit
Step 3: Since a girl must sit immediately on the left of the particular boy, the number of
ways of arranging the unit is 1.
6
Number of ways of selecting 1 girl from 6 girls = C 1
The required probability
P 83 ×P 41 ×C 61

= P 15
5 1M
16
= 715 1A

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.51

<end>

<code=SMath007888>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L2><cat=NF,DSE><mark=4><content>
5 different digits are randomly chosen from the 9 integers 1 to 9 and 2 different letters are
randomly chosen from the 5 letters A to E to form a password.
(a) Find the probability that A and E are arranged next to each other.
(b) Find the probability that all the digits chosen are odd numbers and no letters are arranged next
to each other.
(4 marks)
Solution:
9 5
(a) Number of ways of choosing and arranging 5 digits and 2 letters = C 5 ×C2 ×7 !
9
Number of ways of choosing 5 digits from 9 digits = C 5
Consider A and E as 1 unit.
Number of ways of arranging the 5 digits and the 1 unit = 6!
Number of ways of arranging A and E = 2!
∴ The required probability
C95 ×6 !×2 !
9 5
= C5 ×C 2 ×7 ! 1M
1
= 35 1A

5 5
(b) Number of ways of choosing 5 digits which are odd numbers and 2 letters = C 5×C 2
Arrange the digits first.
Number of ways of arranging the digits = 5!
Since no letters are arranged next to each other, the 2 letters must be separated by the digits and
there are 6 places for the 2 letters.
6
Number of ways of arranging the letters = P2
∴ The required probability
C55 ×C 52×5!×P62

= C 95 ×C 52 ×7 ! 1M
5
= 882 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.52

<code=SMath007889>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L3><cat=NF,DSE><mark=11><content>

The figure above shows the top view of a device containing 9 containers. A game consists of two
rounds. In the first round of the game, balls are dropped one by one into the device and each ball
randomly falls into one of the containers. Each container can hold at most one ball. Each player of
this round adopts one of the following two options.
Option 1: Three balls are dropped one by one into the device. If the three balls fall into three of the
four containers at the corners, then the player can get 630 tokens. If the three balls fall
into containers that are on different rows and different columns, then the player can get
140 tokens. Otherwise, the player gets no tokens.
Option 2: Four balls are dropped one by one into the device. If all of the four balls fall into
containers that are not at the corners, then the player can get 630 tokens. If any three
balls fall into a diagonal of containers, then the player can get 210 tokens. Otherwise, the
player gets no tokens.
(a) If a player adopts option 1, find the probability that the player gets no tokens.
(b) Which option should a player adopt in order to maximize the expected value of the number of
tokens got? Explain your answer.
(c) It is given that a player in the first round adopts the option that maximizes the expected value
of the number of tokens got. Let M be the expected value of the number of tokens got in that
option. There are 6 cards in a bag. Each card is marked with an integer. The following table
shows the distribution of the integers marked on the 6 cards.
Integer marked on the card 1 2 3
Number of cards in the bag 3 2 1
In the second round of the game, a player repeats drawing one card at a time randomly from
the bag with replacement until the sum of the integers marked on all the cards drawn is
greater than or equal to 3. If the sum of the integers marked on all the cards drawn is 3, then
the player loses M tokens. Otherwise, the player gets k tokens. Find the value of k such that
the second round of the game is fair.
(11 marks)
Solution:
9
(a) Number of ways of falling 3 balls into 9 containers = C 3
4
Number of ways of falling 3 balls into 3 of the 4 containers at the corners = C 3
P(gets 630 tokens)
C 34
9
= C3 1M

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.53

 1
= 21
Number of ways of falling 3 balls into containers that are on different rows and different
columns
=321
P(gets 140 tokens)
3×2×1
9
= C3
1
= 14
The required probability
1 1
= 1  21  14 1M
37
= 42 1A

(b) Suppose a player adopts option 1.

Expected value of the number of tokens got
1 1
630× +140×
= 21 14 1M
= 40
Suppose a player adopts option 2.
9
Number of ways of falling 4 balls into 9 containers = C 4
5
Number of ways of falling 4 balls into containers that are not at the corners = C 4
P(gets 630 tokens)
C 54
9
= C4
5
= 126
6
Number of ways of falling 3 of the balls into a diagonal of containers = 2  C 1
P(gets 210 tokens)
2×C 61
9
= C4 1M
2
= 21
Expected value of the number of tokens got
5 2
630× +210×
= 126 21 1M
= 45
> 40

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.54

 ∴ A player should adopt option 2 in order to maximize the expected value of the
number of tokens got. 1A

(c) M = 45
P(sum is 3)
= P(1st card is 1, 2nd card is 1 and 3rd card is 1) + P(1st card is 1 and 2nd card is 2) +
P(1st card is 2 and 2nd card is 1) + P(1st card is 3)
3 3 3 3 2 2 3 1
× × + × + × +
=6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 1M
5
=8
P(sum is greater than 3)
= 1  P(sum is 3)
5
=18 1M
3
=8
If the second round of the game is fair, then the expected value of the number of tokens got in
the second round is 0.
5 3
(−45 )× +k×
8 8 =0 1M
3 225
8k= 8
k = 75 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.55

<code=SMath007890>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=L3><cat=NF,DSE><mark=10><content>
A box contains 12 balls numbered integers 31 to 42. In a game, balls are randomly drawn from the
box one by one without replacement. Each player of the game adopts one of the following two
options.
Option 1: 3 balls are drawn. If the integers on the 3 balls are 3 consecutive numbers, then the
player gets $44. If only 2 of the integers on the 3 balls are consecutive numbers, then the
player gets $11. Otherwise, the player gets nothing.
Option 2: 4 balls are drawn. If the integers on the 4 balls are 4 consecutive numbers, then the
player gets $110. If the integers on the 4 balls are 2 prime numbers and 2 even numbers,
then the player gets $22. Otherwise, the player gets nothing.
(a) Find the expected value of the amount got if a player adopts option 1.
(b) Which option should a player adopt in order to maximize the expected value of the amount
got? Explain your answer.
(c) Let k > 0. Each player needs to pay $(6k2 + 38k) before the game. Suppose a player adopts the
option that maximizes the expected value of the amount got. Find the range of values of k
such that the game is favour to the player.
(10 marks)
Solution:
12
(a) Number of ways of drawing 3 balls from 12 balls = C 3
Number of ways of drawing 3 balls with 3 consecutive numbers = 10
P(gets $44)
10
12
= C3 1M
1
= 22
If the two consecutive numbers are ‘31, 32’ or ‘41, 42’,
number of ways of drawing the remaining ball such that only 2 of the 3 integers are
consecutive numbers
=9
If the two consecutive numbers are ‘32, 33’, ‘33, 34’, ‘34, 35’, …, ‘39, 40’ or ‘40, 41’,
number of ways of drawing the remaining ball such that only 2 of the 3 integers are
consecutive numbers
=8
Number of ways of drawing 3 balls with only 2 consecutive numbers
=29+98
P(gets $11)
2×9+9×8
= C 12
3 1M

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.56

 9
= 22
Expected value of the amount got

( 44×
1
22
+11×
9
22 )
=$ 1M
= $6.5 1A

(b) Suppose a player adopts option 2.

12
Number of ways of drawing 4 balls from 12 balls = C 4
Number of ways of drawing 4 balls with 4 consecutive numbers = 9
P(gets $110)
9
12
= C4
1
= 55
Number of ways of drawing 4 balls with 2 prime numbers and 2 even numbers
3 6
= C 2×C2
P(gets $22)
C 32 ×C 62

= C 12
4 1M
1
= 11
Expected value of the amount got

( 110×
1
55
+22×
1
11 )
=$ 1M
= $4
< $6.5
∴ A player should adopt option 1 in order to maximize the expected value of the amount
got. 1A

(c) If the game is favour to the player,

6k2 + 38k < 6.5 1M
12k2 + 76k < 13
12k2 + 76k  13 < 0
(2k + 13)(6k  1) < 0
13 1
−
2 <k<6 1M

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.57

 ∵ k>0
1
The range of values of k is 0<k < .
∴ 6 1A
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.58

 Senior Secondary Oxford Mathematics for the New Century
S5 Question Bank
5A Chapter 6 More about Probability

DSE-oriented Questions (Paper 2)

<code=SMath007891>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are three questions in a test. The probability that Sam answers the first question correctly,
1
the second question correctly and the third question correctly are 4 , and respectively. The
probability that Sam answers at least 2 questions correctly in the test is

A. .

B. .

C. .

D. .
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(answers at least 2 questions correctly)

=
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.59

<code=SMath007892>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Three persons A, B and C shoot at a certain target at the same time. The probabilities that A, B and
1 1 1
C hit the target are 2 , 3 and 4 respectively. Find the probability that at least one of them hits the
target.
1
A. 4
11
B. 24
3
C. 4
23
D. 24
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(at least one of them hits the target)
= 1  P(they all miss the target)
= 1  P(A misses the target)  P(B misses the target)  P(C misses the target)

=
( )( )( )
1− 1−
1
2
1
1− 1−
3
1
4
3
=4
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.60

<code=SMath007893>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
When Candy throws a dart, the probability that she hits the target is 0.3. If Candy throws the dart
4 times, find the probability that she hits the target at most 3 times.
A. 0.008 1
B. 0.075 6
C. 0.924 4
D. 0.991 9
Solution:
The answer is D.
The required probability
= 1  0.34
= 0.991 9
<end>

<code=SMath007894>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
When Jason shoots a basketball, the probability that he makes a shot is 0.7. If Jason shoots the
basketball 5 times, find the probability that he makes the shot at most 3 times.
A. 0.360 15
B. 0.471 78
C. 0.528 22
D. 0.639 85
Solution:
The answer is B.
The required probability
= 1  5  0.74  (1  0.7)  0.75
= 0.471 78
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.61

<code=SMath007895>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
In a test, there are 5 questions. The probability that Michelle answers any question correctly is 0.6.
Find the probability that she answers at least 1 question correctly in the test.
A. 0.010 24
B. 0.077 76
C. 0.922 24
D. 0.989 76
Solution:
The answer is D.
The required probability
= 1  P(she answers no questions correctly)
= 1  (1  0.6)5
= 0.989 76
<end>

<code=SMath007896>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A box contains 8 $10 cash coupons and 2 $20 cash coupons. Michael draws 4 cash coupons at
random from the box one by one with replacement. Find the probability that not more than
3 $10 cash coupons are drawn.
A. 0.409 6
B. 0.488
C. 0.512
D. 0.590 4
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(a $10 cash coupon is drawn)
8
= 8+2
= 0.8
The required probability
= 1  P(exactly 4 $10 cash coupons are drawn)
= 1  0.84
= 0.590 4
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.62

<code=SMath007897>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 3 black pens and 5 blue pens in a box. A pen is drawn at random from the box with
replacement and a second pen is drawn at random from the box. Find the probability that at least
one of the two pens drawn is black.
9
A. 64
3
B. 8
39
C. 64
5
D. 8
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(at least one of the two pens drawn is black)
= 1 – P(both pens are blue)
= 1 – P(the first pen is blue) × P(the second pen is blue)
5 5
= 1 – 8 ×8
39
= 64
<end>

<code=SMath007898>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A bag contains 2 white balls, 3 yellow balls and 5 black balls. Michael repeats drawing one ball at
a time randomly with replacement until a white ball is drawn. Find the probability that he will get
a white ball in the fifth draw.
A. 0.065 536
B. 0.081 92
C. 0.2
D. 1
Solution:
The answer is B.
The required probability
= P(not getting a white ball in the first 4 draws)  P(getting a white ball in the fifth draw)

( )
= 1−
2 4 2
10 10
×
¿0.081 92

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.63

<end>

<code=SMath007899>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A bag contains 1 red ball, 2 green balls and 2 white balls. Alex repeats drawing one ball at a time
randomly from the bag with replacement until a green ball is drawn. Find the probability that he
will make at least 3 draws.
A. 0.144
B. 0.216
C. 0.3
D. 0.36
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(at least 3 draws)
= 1 – P(getting a green ball in the first draw) – P(getting a green ball in the second draw)

2
=1− − 1− ×
5 ( )
2 2
5 5
=0.36
<end>

<code=SMath007900>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Derek and Eason participate in a test. Their performances in the test are independent. The
probability that Derek passes the test is 0.7. The probability that Eason passes the test is 0.6. The
probability that not both of them fail in the test is
A. 0.12.
B. 0.42.
C. 0.58.
D. 0.88.
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(not both of them fail in the test)
= 1  P(both of them fail in the test)
= 1  P(Derek fails in the test)  P(Eason fails in the test)
= 1  (1  0.7)(1  0.6)
= 0.88
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.64

<code=SMath007901>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A box contains 2 red dishes, 3 yellow dishes and 4 green dishes. Andy repeats drawing one dish at
a time randomly from the box with replacement until a yellow dish is drawn. Find the probability
that at least four draws are needed.
8
A. 81
5
B. 42
5
C. 21
8
D. 27
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(at least four draws are needed)
= 1 – P(getting a yellow dish in the first draw) – P(getting a yellow dish in the second draw) –
P(getting a yellow dish in the third draw)
3 6 3 6 6 3
=1–9 –9 ×9 –9 ×9 ×9
8
= 27
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.65

<code=SMath007902>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A letter is selected randomly from each of the two words ‘SINE’ and ‘COSINE’. Find the
probability that the letters selected are the same.
1
A. 6
1
B. 5
1
C. 4
3
D. 4
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(letters selected are the same)
= P(both letters are ‘S’) + P(both letters are ‘I’) + P(both letters are ‘N’) + P(both letters are ‘E’)

1 1
= × ×4
4 6
1
=
6
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.66

<code=SMath007903>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A letter is randomly selected from each of the words ‘ROCKET’ and ‘HAIRCUT’. Find the
probability that ‘T’ and a vowel are selected.
1
A. 14
2
B. 21
5
C. 42
1
D. 7
Solution:
The answer is C.
The required probability
= P(‘T’ is selected from ‘ROCKET’)  P(a vowel is selected from ‘HAIRCUT’) +
P(a vowel is selected from ‘ROCKET’)  P(‘T’ is selected from ‘HAIRCUT’)
1 3 2 1
× + ×
= 6 7 6 7
5
= 42
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.67

<code=SMath007904>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A letter is selected randomly from each of the two words ‘HAPPY’ and ‘PLAY’. Find the
probability that the two letters selected are the same.
1
A. 5
3
B. 20
1
C. 10
1
D. 20
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(the two letters selected are the same)
= P(both letters are ‘A’) + P(both letters are ‘P’) + P(both letters are ‘Y’)
1 1 2 1 1 1
=5 4 +5 4 +5 4
1
=5
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.68

<code=SMath007905>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Box A contains 1 white card, 2 black cards and 3 silver cards. Box B contains 1 white card,
2 gold cards and 3 silver cards. If one card is drawn randomly from each box, find the probability
that the two cards drawn are of different colours.
5
A. 18
7
B. 18
11
C. 18
13
D. 18
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(the same colour) = P(both are white cards) + P(both are silver cards)
1 1 3 3
=6 ×6 +6 ×6
5
= 18
∴ P(different colours) = 1 – P(the same colour)
5
= 1 – 18
13
= 18
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.69

<code=SMath007906>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A bag contains 3 black balls and 4 white balls. Bill repeats drawing one ball at a time randomly
from the bag without replacement until a white ball is drawn. Find the probability that he will
make at least 2 draws.
2
A. 7
3
B. 7
4
C. 7
5
D. 7
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(at least 2 draws) = 1 – P(getting a white ball in the first draw)
4
1−
= 7
3
=7
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.70

<code=SMath007907>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Karl repeats drawing a card at a time randomly from a pack of 52 playing cards without
replacement until a heart is drawn. Find the probability that at least 3 draws are needed.
13
A. 68
15
B. 34
9
C. 16
19
D. 34
Solution:
The answer is D.
13
P(exactly 1 draw) = 52
1
=4
P(exactly 2 draws)
= P(1st card is not a heart)  P(2nd card is a heart | 1st card is not a heart)
39 13
×
= 52 51
13
= 68
P(at least 3 draws) = 1 – P(exactly 1 draw) – P(exactly 2 draws)
1 13
= 1 – 4 – 68
19
= 34
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.71

<code=SMath007908>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 8 boxes in a bag. 2 of the boxes contain a pearl each. Grace repeats choosing one box at
a time randomly from the bag without replacement until a box with a pearl is chosen. Find the
probability that she needs to choose exactly three boxes.
3
A. 28
5
B. 28
7
C. 64
9
D. 64
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(she needs to choose exactly three boxes)
= P(first two boxes chosen do not contain pearls and 3rd box chosen contains a pearl)
= P(1st box chosen does not contain a pearl) 
P(2nd box chosen does not contain a pearl | 1st box chosen does not contain a pearl) 
P(3rd box chosen contains a pearl | first two boxes chosen do not contain pearls)
6 5 2
× ×
=8 7 6
5
= 28
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.72

<code=SMath007909>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A bag contains 7 balls numbered 0, 0, 1, 1, 2, 2 and 2 respectively. Gloria repeats drawing one ball
at a time randomly from the bag without replacement until the ball numbered 2 is drawn. Find the
probability that she needs exactly three draws.
24
A. 35
8
B. 35
6
C. 35
48
D. 343
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(exactly three draws)
= P(not getting a ‘2’ in the first draw) ×
P(not getting a ‘2’ in the second draw | not getting a ‘2’ in the first draw) ×
P(getting a ‘2’ in the third draw | not getting a ‘2’ in the first and second draws)
4 3 3
=7 ×6 ×5
6
= 35
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.73

<code=SMath007910>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A bag contains 5 yellow hats, 4 white hats and 3 red hats. Judy repeats drawing one hat at a time
randomly from the bag without replacement until a white hat is drawn. Find the probability that
she needs at most three draws.

A.

B.

C.

D.
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(at most three draws)
= P(1st one is white) + P(1st one is not white)  P(2nd one is white | 1st one is not white) +
P(1st one is not white)  P(2nd one is not white | 1st one is not white) 
P(3rd one is white | 1st one and 2nd one are not white)

=
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.74

<code=SMath007911>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 15 marbles in a box. 6 of them are black marbles and 9 of them are white marbles.
2 marbles are randomly drawn from the box one by one without replacement. Find the probability
that the 2 marbles drawn are of the same colour.
1
A. 7
12
B. 35
17
C. 35
18
D. 35
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(same colour)
= P(2 black marbles) + P(2 white marbles)
= P(1st one is a black marble)  P(2nd one is a black marble | 1st one is a black marble) +
P(1st one is a white marble)  P(2nd one is a white marble | 1st one is a white marble)
6 5 9 8
× + ×
= 15 14 15 14
17
= 35
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.75

<code=SMath007912>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Bag X contains 3 white balls and 5 red balls. Bag Y contains 3 white balls and 2 red balls. A ball is
randomly drawn from bag X and put into bag Y. If a ball is now randomly drawn from bag Y, find
the probability that the ball drawn is red.
19
A. 48
2
B. 5
7
C. 16
7
D. 13
Solution:
The answer is C.
Let R represent the event that a red ball is drawn from bag X and put into bag Y, and W represent the
event that a white ball is drawn from bag X and put into bag Y.
P(a red ball is drawn)
= P(R)  P(a red ball is drawn from Y | R) + P(W)  P(a red ball is drawn from Y | W)
5 3 3 2
× + ×
=8 6 8 6
7
= 16
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.76

<code=SMath007913>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 4 teachers and 2 students in room A. There are 3 students and 1 teacher in room B. A
person is randomly chosen from room A and the person chosen moves to room B. Then a person is
randomly chosen from room B and the person chosen moves to room A. Find the probability that
there are at least 4 teachers in room A after the two moves.
4
A. 15
2
B. 5
3
C. 5
11
D. 15
Solution:
The answer is C.
The required probability
= P(a teacher is chosen from room A and then a teacher is chosen from room B, or a student is
chosen from room A and then any person is chosen from room B)
= P(a teacher is chosen from room A) 
P(a teacher is chosen from room B | a teacher is chosen from room A) +
P(a student is chosen from room A) 
P(any person is chosen from room B | a student is chosen from room A)
4 2 2 5
× + ×
=6 5 6 5
3
=5

Alternative method:
The required probability
= 1  P(a teacher is chosen from room A and then a student is chosen from room B)
= 1  P(a teacher is chosen from room A) 
P(a student is chosen from room B | a teacher is chosen from room A)
4 3
×
=16 5
3
=5
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.77

<code=SMath007914>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
In a lucky draw, there are 8 envelopes and only one envelope carries a cash coupon. Karen has
three chances of drawing and an envelope is randomly drawn at a time without replacement. Find
the probability that she gets the cash coupon in the third draw.
1
A. 6
1
B. 8
49
C. 512
21
D. 256
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(getting the cash coupon in the third draw)
= P(not getting the cash coupon in the first draw) ×
P(not getting the cash coupon in the second draw | not getting the cash coupon in the first
draw) ×
P(getting the cash coupon in the third draw | not getting the cash coupon in the first and second
draws)
7 6 1
=8 ×7 ×6
1
=8
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.78

<code=SMath007915>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
In the summer of a city, if there is a very hot weather warning today, the probability that there will
5
be a very hot weather warning tomorrow is 8 . If there is no such warning today, the probability
3
that there will be no warning tomorrow is 4 . Given that there is a very hot weather warning on
Wednesday, find the probability that there is such warning on Friday in the same week.
25
A. 64
31
B. 64
33
C. 64
21
D. 32
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(warning on Friday)
= P(warning on Thursday)  P(warning on Friday | warning on Thursday) +

P(no warning on Thursday)  P(warning on Friday | no warning on Thursday)

5 5 5
( )( )
= × + 1− × 1−
8 8 8
3
4
31
=
64
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.79

<code=SMath007916>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
If Carmen goes out for lunch today, the probability that she will go out for lunch tomorrow is 0.4.
If Carmen does not go out for lunch today, the probability that she will go out for lunch tomorrow
is 0.8. Given that Carmen does not go out for lunch on Monday, find the probability that she will
go out for lunch on only one day of the next two consecutive days.
A. 0.32
B. 0.44
C. 0.56
D. 0.64
Solution:
The answer is D.
The required probability
= P(going out for lunch on Tuesday | not going out for lunch on Monday) 
P(not going out for lunch on Wednesday | going out for lunch on Tuesday) +
P(not going out for lunch on Tuesday | not going out for lunch on Monday) 
P(going out for lunch on Wednesday | not going out for lunch on Tuesday)
= 0.8  (1 – 0.4) + (1 – 0.8)  0.8
= 0.64
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.80

<code=SMath007917>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Box A contains 3 gold coins and 2 silver coins. Box B contains 2 gold coins and 3 silver coins. A
box is randomly chosen and then 2 coins are randomly drawn from the box chosen one by one
without replacement. The probability that 2 gold coins are drawn is
A. 0.2.
B. 0.26.
C. 0.4.
D. 0.52.
Solution:
The answer is A.
The required probability
= P(box A is chosen and 2 gold coins are drawn, or box B is chosen and 2 gold coins are drawn)
= P(box A is chosen and 2 gold coins are drawn) + P(box B is chosen and 2 gold coins are drawn)
= P(box A is chosen)  P(1st coin drawn is a gold coin | box A is chosen) 
P(2nd coin drawn is a gold coin | box A is chosen and 1st coin drawn is a gold coin) +
P(box B is chosen)  P(1st coin drawn is a gold coin | box B is chosen) 
P(2nd coin drawn is a gold coin | box B is chosen and 1st coin drawn is a gold coin)
1 3 2 1 2 1
× × + × ×
=2 5 4 2 5 4
= 0.2
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.81

<code=SMath007918>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are x boys and 7 girls in a group. 2 people are randomly chosen from the group at the same
3
time. The probability that 2 boys are chosen is 10 . The probability that the 2 people chosen are of
different genders is
7
A. 36 .
21
B. 80 .
7
C. 18 .
21
D. 40 .
Solution:
The answer is D.
Total number of people = x + 7
P(2 boys are chosen)
= P(1st one is a boy)  P(2nd one is a boy | 1st one is a boy)
x
( )( )
= x+ 7
x−1
x +6
3
∵ P(2 boys are chosen) = 10

∴
( )( )
x
x+ 7
x−1 3
x +6 = 10
10x(x  1) = 3(x + 7)(x + 6)
10x2  10x = 3x2 + 39x + 126
7x2  49x  126 = 0
x2  7x  18 = 0
(x  9)(x + 2) = 0
x = 9 or 2 (rejected)
Total number of people = 9 + 7 = 16
P(they are of different genders)
= P(1st one is a boy, 2nd one is a girl or 1st one is a girl, 2nd one is a boy)
= P(1st one is a boy, 2nd one is a girl) + P(1st one is a girl, 2nd one is a boy)
= P(1st one is a boy)  P(2nd one is a girl | 1st one is a boy) +
P(1st one is a girl)  P(2nd one is a boy | 1st one is a girl)
9 7 7 9
× + ×
= 16 15 16 15
21
= 40
© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.82
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.83

<code=SMath007919>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 7 red balls, 4 green balls and 6 blue balls in a box. If 5 balls are randomly drawn from
the box at the same time, find the probability that at least 1 green ball is drawn.

A.

B.

C.

D.
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(at least 1 green ball)
= 1  P(no green balls)

=1

=
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.84

<code=SMath007920>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
5 people are randomly selected from 7 boys and 6 girls. Find the probability that at least one boy
and at least one girl are selected.
7
A. 429
3
B. 143
1
C. 42
140
D. 143
Solution:
The answer is D.
13
Number of ways of selecting 5 people from 13 people = C 5
7
Number of ways of selecting 5 boys from 7 boys = C 5
6
Number of ways of selecting 5 girls from 6 girls = C 5
∴ P(at least one boy and at least one girl)
= 1  P(5 boys) – P(5 girls)
7 6
C5 C5
13 13
C5 C5
=1– –
140
= 143
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.85

<code=SMath007921>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 6 novels and 4 textbooks on a bookshelf. If 5 books are randomly chosen from the
bookshelf, find the probability that at most 2 novels are chosen.
1
A. 42
11
B. 42
31
C. 42
41
D. 42
Solution:
The answer is B.
10
Number of ways of choosing 5 books from 10 books = C 5
6 4
Number of ways of choosing 2 novels and 3 textbooks = C 2 ×C3
6 4
Number of ways of choosing 1 novel and 4 textbooks = C 1 ×C 4
∴ The required probability
= P(exactly 2 novels are chosen) + P(exactly 1 novel is chosen)
C62 ×C 43 C 61 ×C 44
10
+
= C 5 C 10
5

11
= 42
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.86

<code=SMath007922>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
In a pet shop, there are 8 dogs, 6 cats and 7 rabbits. If 4 pets are selected randomly from the shop,
find the probability of selecting 2 dogs and 2 cats.
1
A. 19
4
B. 57
28
C. 285
143
D. 855
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(2 dogs and 2 cats)
C82 ×C 62
8+6+7
= C4
4
= 57
<end>

<code=SMath007923>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
A bag contains 5 red balls, 3 blue balls and 2 green balls. If 3 balls are drawn randomly from the
bag, find the probability of getting 2 red balls and 1 blue ball.
1
A. 12
5
B. 28
1
C. 4
15
D. 28
Solution:
The answer is C.

The required probability =

=
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.87

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.88
<code=SMath007924>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Five gifts are distributed to 8 boys and 6 girls at random and no one can receive more than one
gift. Find the probability that the number of boys who receive gifts is greater than that of girls who
receive gifts.
60
A. 143
90
B. 143
94
C. 143
134
D. 143
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(number of boys who receive gifts > number of girls who receive gifts)
= P(number of boys who receive gifts is 3, 4 or 5)

C 83 ×C 62 +C 84 ×C 61 + C85
=
C 14
5
94
¿
143
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.89

<code=SMath007925>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 8 good eggs and 4 rotten eggs in a box. If 6 eggs are randomly selected from the box,
find the probability that the number of good eggs selected is twice the number of rotten eggs
selected.
1
A. 1584
1
B. 33
5
C. 11
28
D. 33
Solution:
The answer is C.
If the number of good eggs selected is twice the number of rotten eggs selected, then 4 good eggs
and 2 rotten eggs are selected.
12
Number of ways of selecting 6 eggs from 12 eggs = C 6
8
Number of ways of selecting 4 good eggs from 8 good eggs = C 4
4
Number of ways of selecting 2 rotten eggs from 4 rotten eggs = C 2
∴ The required probability
C84 ×C24

= C12
6

5
= 11
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.90

<code=SMath007926>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
In a filing cabinet, there are 6 red folders and 8 yellow folders. If 6 folders are randomly chosen
from the cabinet, find the probability that not less than 4 red folders are chosen.
67
A. 429
68
B. 429
361
C. 429
362
D. 429
Solution:
The answer is A.
14
Number of ways of choosing 6 folders from 14 folders = C 6
6 8
Number of ways of choosing 4 red folders and 2 yellow folders = C 4 ×C 2
6 8
Number of ways of choosing 5 red folders and 1 yellow folder = C 5 ×C1
6
Number of ways of choosing 6 red folders = C 6
∴ The required probability
= P(exactly 4 red folders are chosen) + P(exactly 5 red folders are chosen) +
P(exactly 6 red folders are chosen)
C64 ×C82 C 65 ×C81 C66
14
+ 14
+ 14
= C 6 C 6 C6
67
= 429
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.91

<code=SMath007927>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
6 girls and 3 boys line up at random. Find the probability that the 6 girls stand next to each other.
1
A. 4
3
B. 28
1
C. 21
1
D. 84
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(6 girls stand next to each other)
6!×4!
= 9!
1
= 21
<end>

<code=SMath007928>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
6 boys and 2 girls line up in a row at random. Find the probability that the 2 girls stand next to
each other.
1
A. 16
1
B. 8
1
C. 6
1
D. 4
Solution:
The answer is D.
7 !×2!
=
P(2 girls stand next to each other) 8!
1
=
4
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.92

<code=SMath007929>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Alice, Bob and 7 other students participate in a solo speech contest. If each participant performs
once only and the order of performance is randomly arranged, find the probability that Alice
performs just after Bob.

A.

B.

C.

D.
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(Alice performs just after Bob)

=
<end>

<code=SMath007930>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
7 actors and 3 actresses are randomly arranged in a row. Find the probability that no actresses are
next to each other.
1
A. 120
1
B. 15
4
C. 45
7
D. 15
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(no actresses are next to each other)
7 !×P38
= 10 !
7
= 15

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.93

<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.94

<code=SMath007931>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
4 boys and 3 girls line up in a row at random. Find the probability that the boys and the girls stand
alternately.
1
A. 35
2
B. 35
2
C. 7
5
D. 7
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(the boys and the girls stand alternately)

3!×4 !
=
7!
1
=
35
<end>

<code=SMath007932>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
3 boys and 8 girls are randomly arranged in a row. Find the probability that not all the boys stand
next to each other.

A.

B.

C.

D.
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(not all the boys stand next to each other)

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.95

<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.96

<code=SMath007933>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
Wilson, Matthrew and 6 other friends randomly sit in 2 rows. Each row has 4 seats. Find the
probability that Wilson and Matthrew sit next to each other.
3
A. 14
1
B. 4
1
C. 2
3
D. 4
Solution:
The answer is A.
Consider Wilson and Matthrew as one unit. There are 3 places for the unit in each of the two rows.
There are (3 + 3) choices, i.e. 6 choices, for the unit. The number of ways of arranging Wilson and
Matthrew is 2!. Also, the number of ways of arranging the other 6 friends is 6!.
If there is no restriction,
number of ways of arranging the 8 people = 8!
The required probability
6×2! ×6!
= 8!
3
= 14
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.97

<code=SMath007934>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF,DSE><mark=2><content>
There are 8 black balls and 6 white balls in a box. John repeats drawing 2 balls at a time randomly
from the box without replacement until he draws at least one white ball. Find the probability that
John draws exactly 3 times.
6
A. 13
2
B. 33
6
C. 143
10
D. 429
Solution:
The answer is B.
14
Number of ways of drawing 2 balls from 14 balls = C 2
In the 1st draw,
8
number of ways of drawing 2 black balls from 8 black balls = C 2
∴ P(John draws 2 black balls in the 1st draw)
C 82
14
= C2
In the 2nd draw,
12
number of ways of drawing 2 balls from the remaining 12 (= 14  2) balls = C 2
6
number of ways of drawing 2 black balls from the remaining 6 (= 8  2) black balls = C 2
∴ P(John draws 2 black balls in the 2nd draw | John draws 2 black balls in the 1st draw)
C 62
12
= C2
In the 3rd draw,
10
number of ways of drawing 2 balls from the remaining 10 (= 12  2) balls = C 2
4
number of ways of drawing 2 black balls from the remaining 4 (= 6  2) black balls = C 2
∴ P(John draws at least one white ball in the 3rd draw | John draws 2 black balls in each of the
first two draws)
= 1  P(John draws 2 black balls in the 3rd draw | John draws 2 black balls in each of the first
two draws)
4
C2
10
= 1  C2
P(John draws exactly 3 times)
= P(John draws 2 black balls in each of the first two draws and draws at least one white ball in the

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.98

 3rd draw)
= P(John draws 2 black balls in the 1st draw) 
P(John draws 2 black balls in the 2nd draw | John draws 2 black balls in the 1st draw) 
P(John draws at least one white ball in the 3rd draw | John draws 2 black balls in each of the first
two draws)

=
C 82
C214
×
C 62
C212 (
× 1−
C 42
C10
2
)
2
= 33
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (DSE-oriented Questions) P.99