Senior Secondary Oxford Mathematics for the New Century

S5 Question Bank
5A Chapter 6 More about Probability

Exercise-oriented Questions (MC)

<code=SMath008184>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Which of the following is/are true?

I. 2 
{ x:
x 2−6 x +8
x 2 + x−6
=0
}
II. Let A =  and B = { }. The sets A and B are equal.
III. Let P = {positive factors of 8} and Q = {positive factors of 152}. P is a subset of Q.
A. II only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
Solution:
The answer is D.
x2 −6 x +8
I. x2 + x−6 = 0
( x−4 )(x −2)
( x+3 )( x−2) = 0
x−4
x +3 = 0
x4=0
x=4
∴ The element of the given set is 4.
∴ I is not true.
II. A and B are empty sets.
∴ II is true.
III. The positive factors of 8 are 1, 2, 4 and 8.
∴ P = {1, 2, 4, 8}
The positive factors of 152 are 1, 2, 4, 8, 19, 38, 76 and 152.
∴ Q = {1, 2, 4, 8, 19, 38, 76, 152}
∵ 1, 2, 4 and 8 are also elements of set Q.
∴ P is a subset of Q.
∴ III is true.
∴ Only II and III are true.

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (Exercise-oriented Questions) P.1

<end>

<code=SMath008185>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Which of the following groups of sets are equal?
I. P = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}, Q = {positive integers smaller than 10}
II. R = , S = {0}
III. M = {2, 3}, N = {x: x2  5x + 6 = 0}
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
Solution:
The answer is C.
I: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are all the elements of both sets P and Q.
∴ Sets P and Q are equal.
II: Set R does not contain any element. Set S has an element 0.
∴ Sets R and S are not equal.
III: x2  5x + 6 = 0
(x  2)(x  3)= 0
x = 2 or 3
i.e. N = {2, 3}
∴ Sets M and N are equal.
∴ The two groups of sets in I and III only are equal.
<end>

<code=SMath008186>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Given that S = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}, A = {1, 3, 4}, B = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6}, C = {2, 7, 8} and
D = {3, 5, 7, 9}, find (A  B)  (C  D).
A. {1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
B. {1, 2, 6, 7, 8}
C. {2, 5, 7, 8, 9}
D. {4}
Solution:
The answer is B.
A  B = {3, 4}
(A  B) = {1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
D = {1, 2, 4, 6, 8}
C  D = {1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8}
© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (Exercise-oriented Questions) P.2
 ∴ (A  B)  (C  D) = {1, 2, 6, 7, 8}
<end>

<code=SMath008187>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Let A = {1, 2, 4, 8, 16} and B = {x: x is an even number and 0 < x < 8}. A  B =
A. {2, 4}.
B. {2, 4, 8}.
C. {2, 4, 6, 8, 16}.
D. {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16}.
Solution:
The answer is A.
B = {2, 4, 6}
A  B = {2, 4}
<end>

<code=SMath008188>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
It is given that S = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}, A = {multiples of 3 between 1 and 10} and
B = {x: x2 – 8x + 15 = 0}. Find A  B.
A. {3}
B. {6, 9}
C. {3, 6, 9}
D. {3, 5, 6, 9}
Solution:
The answer is B.
A = {3, 6, 9}
x2 – 8x + 15 = 0
(x – 3)(x – 5) = 0
x = 3 or 5
∴ B = {3, 5}
B = {1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}
A  B = {6, 9}
<end>

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

<code=SMath008189>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
It is given that S = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}, A = {multiples of 2 between 1 and 7} and
B = {x: x is a natural number smaller than 4}. Find A  B.
A. {1, 3}
B. {0, 5, 7}
C. {1, 2, 3, 5, 7}
D. {0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7}
Solution:
The answer is D.
A = {2, 4, 6}
A = {0, 1, 3, 5, 7}
B = {1, 2, 3}

A  B ={0,1,2, 3,5 ,7}

<end>

<code=SMath008190>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
If 2  {x: ax2 + x – 3 = 0}, find the value of the constant a.
1
A. 4
√2
B. 2
C. 2
3
−
D. 2 or 1
Solution:
The answer is A.
Substitute x = 2 into ax2 + x – 3 = 0.
a(2)2 + 2 – 3 = 0
4a = 1
1
a=4
<end>

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

<code=SMath008191>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
S
P
Q

In the Venn diagram, the shaded area represents

A. (P  Q)  R.
B. (P  Q)  R.
C. (P  R)  Q.
D. (P  R)  Q.
Solution:
The answer is C.
A. S
P
Q

B. S
P
Q

D. S
P
Q

<end>

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

<code=SMath008192>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
S
A
B C

In the Venn diagram, the shaded area represents

A. B.
B. A  C.
C. (A  C)  B.
D. (A  C)  B.
Solution:
The answer is C.
A:
S
A
B C

B:
S
A
B C

D:
S
A
B C

∴ The answer is C.
<end>

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

<code=SMath008193>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>

In the Venn diagram above, the shaded area represents

A. (B  C).
B. A  (B  C).
C. (A  B)  C.
D. (A  B)  C.
Solution:
The answer is D.
<end>

<code=SMath008194>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6A><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>

In the Venn diagram above, the shaded region represents

A. (A  B)  C.
B. (A  B)  C.
C. (A  C)  B.
D. (A  C)  B.
Solution:
The answer is B.
<end>

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

<code=SMath008195>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
There are 4 ten-dollar banknotes, 6 twenty-dollar banknotes and 2 hundred-dollar banknotes in a
box. A banknote is randomly drawn from the box. Find the probability that the face value of the
banknote drawn is less than $50.
1
A. 6
1
B. 3
2
C. 3
5
D. 6
Solution:
The answer is D.
Total number of banknotes
=4+6+2
= 12
P(face value is less than $50)
= P($10 or $20)
= P($10) + P($20)
4 6
+
= 12 12
5
=6
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (Exercise-oriented Questions) P.8

<code=SMath008196>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A card is drawn at random from a pack of 52 playing cards. Find the probability that the card
drawn is a red ‘K’ or a black ‘ace’.
1
A. 13
1
B. 26
1
C. 52
1
D. 676
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(red ‘K’ or black ‘ace’) = P(red ‘K’) + P(black ‘ace’)
2 2
= 52 + 52
1
= 13
<end>

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

<code=SMath008197>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A computer shop sells memory sticks of different memory capacities. The numbers of memory
sticks in stock are shown below:
Memory capacity 1 GB 2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB
Number 20 40 45 100 65 30
If a memory stick is taken at random from the stock, find the probability that the memory capacity
of the memory stick taken is greater than 4 GB.
A. 0.2
B. 0.35
C. 0.65
D. 0.8
Solution:
The answer is C.
Total number of memory sticks in stock
= 20 + 40 + 45 + 100 + 65 + 30
= 300
P(greater than 4 GB)
= P(8 GB) + P(16 GB) + P(32 GB)
100 65 30
= 300 + 300 + 300
= 0.65
<end>

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

<code=SMath008198>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Mr Cheung has a stack of banknotes. The numbers of banknotes of different face values are as
follows:
Banknote $10 $20 $50 $100 $500
Number 5 7 3 4 1
A piece of banknote is drawn randomly. Find the probability that the face value of this banknote is
not smaller than $50.
A. 0.3
B. 0.4
C. 0.6
D. 0.7
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(not smaller than $50)
= P($50 or $100 or $500)
3+ 4+1
= 5+7+3+ 4+1
= 0.4
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (Exercise-oriented Questions) P.11

<code=SMath008199>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A number is selected at random from all 2-digit numbers. Find the probability that the units digit
or the tens digit of the number selected is 8.
1
A. 10
1
B. 9
1
C. 5
19
D. 90
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(the units digit is 8 or the tens digit is 8)
= P(the units digit is 8) + P(the tens digit is 8) – P(the units digit is 8 and the tens digit is 8)
9 10 1
= 90 + 90 – 90
1
=5
<end>

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

<code=SMath008200>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
There are 100 cards marked with numbers 1 to 100 respectively in a box. A card is now drawn
randomly from the box. Find the probability that the number on the card drawn is a multiple of 8
or a multiple of 12.
6
A. 625
3
B. 25
4
C. 25
1
D. 5
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(multiple of 8 or multiple of 12)
=
P(multiple of 8) + P(multiple of 12) – P(multiple of both 8 and 12)
12 8 4
= + −
100 100 100
4
=
25
<end>

<code=SMath008201>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
30% of the members in a group like hiking, 25% of the members like photography, and 10% of the
members like both hiking and photography. A member is randomly chosen from the group. Find
the probability that the member chosen likes hiking or photography.
A. 0.35
B. 0.45
C. 0.55
D. 0.65
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(likes hiking or photography)
= P(likes hiking) + P(likes photography)  P(likes both hiking and photography)
= 30% + 25%  10%
= 0.3 + 0.25  0.1
= 0.45
<end>

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

<code=SMath008202>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
There are 30 cards numbered 1 to 30 inclusive. A card is randomly drawn from the 30 cards. Find
the probability that the number on the card drawn is an even number or a multiple of 3.
1
A. 3
1
B. 2
2
C. 3
5
D. 6
Solution:
The answer is C.
The even numbers between 1 and 30 inclusive are 2, 4, 6, …, 30. There are 15 such numbers.
The multiples of 3 between 1 and 30 inclusive are 3, 6, 9, …, 30. There are 10 such numbers.
The numbers which are both even numbers and multiples of 3 between 1 and 30 inclusive are 6, 12,
18, 24, 30. There are 5 such numbers.
P(even number or multiple of 3)
= P(even number) + P(multiple of 3)  P(even number and multiple of 3)
15 10 5
+ −
= 30 30 30
2
=3
<end>

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

<code=SMath008203>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
There are 36 students in S5A. 22 of them have mobile phones, 18 of them have tablet computers,
and 32 of them have mobile phones or tablet computers. A student is randomly selected from S5A.
Find the probability that the student selected does not have both a mobile phone and a tablet
computer.
2
A. 9
1
B. 3
7
C. 9
8
D. 9
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(has both a mobile phone and a tablet computer)
= P(has a mobile phone) + P(has a tablet computer)  P(has a mobile phone or a tablet computer)
22 18 32
+ −
= 36 36 36
2
=9
P(does not have both a mobile phone and a tablet computer)
= 1  P(has both a mobile phone and a tablet computer)
2
= 1 9
7
=9
<end>

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

<code=SMath008204>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
In a charity organization, the probabilities that Mrs Yip and Mrs Lam are selected to be the chief
executive officer are 0.3 and 0.65 respectively. If there is only one chief executive officer in the
organization, the probability that neither Mrs Yip nor Mrs Lam is selected as the chief executive
officer is
A. 0.05.
B. 0.245.
C. 0.805.
D. 0.95.
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(neither Mrs Yip nor Mrs Lam is selected)
= 1  P(Mrs Yip or Mrs Lam is selected)
= 1  [P(Mrs Yip is selected) + P(Mrs Lam is selected)]
= 1  (0.3 + 0.65)
= 0.05
<end>

<code=SMath008205>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Keith and Benjamin play a chess game. Each of them can win, lose or draw in the game. The
probability that Keith wins the game is 0.6. The probability that the game ends up with a draw is
0.15. Find the probability that Benjamin wins the game.
A. 0.75
B. 0.45
C. 0.4
D. 0.25
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(Benjamin wins)
= P(Keith loses)
= 1 – P(Keith wins) – P(the game ends up with a draw)
= 1  0.6  0.15
= 0.25
<end>

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

<code=SMath008206>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
When a hotline receives an incoming call, the probability that there is only one ring before the call
1 3
is received is 10 , the probability that there are two rings before the call is received is 10 , and the
2
probability that there are three rings before the call is received is 5 . Find the probability that there
are more than three rings before the call is received.
1
A. 5
3
B. 5
7
C. 10
4
D. 5
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(more than three rings)
= 1  P(less than or equal to three rings)
= 1  [P(one ring) + P(two rings) + P(three rings)]

=
1− (101 +103 + 25 )
1
=5
<end>

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

<code=SMath008207>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
In throwing a biased dice, the probability of getting each number is shown below:
Number 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 1 5 3
Probability 5 9 6 36 20 ?

Find the probability of getting a multiple of 3.

11
A. 90
13
B. 45
1
C. 3
22
D. 45
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(a multiple of 3)= 1 – P(not a multiple of 3)
=
1 – P(getting 1, 2, 4 or 5)
1 2 5 3
=1− − − −
5 9 36 20
13
=
45

Alternative Method:
P(getting 6)
1 2 1 5 3
1− − − − −
= 5 9 6 36 20
11
= 90
P(a multiple of 3)
= P(getting 3 or 6)
= P(getting 3) + P(getting 6)
1 11
+
= 6 90
13
= 45
<end>

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

<code=SMath008208>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6B><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A bag contains balls of two colours: red and blue. If a ball is drawn at random from the bag, the
probability of getting a red ball is 2 times that of getting a blue ball. Find the probability of getting
a red ball.
1
A. 3
2
B. 3
3
C. 4
3
D. 2
Solution:
The answer is B.
Let P(red) = p. Then P(blue) = 1 – p.
P(red) = 2  P(blue)
p = 2(1  p)
3p = 2
2
p=3
2
The probability of getting a red ball is .
∴ 3
<end>

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

<code=SMath008209>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Three men and four women attend a gathering. And there is a couple among them. Now a man and
a woman are chosen at random. Find the probability of choosing the couple.
1
A. 12
2
B. 7
1
C. 2
7
D. 12
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(choosing a couple)
1 1
= ×
3 4
1
=
12
<end>

<code=SMath008210>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
There are 3 blue cups, 2 white cups and 7 green cups on a shelf. 2 cups are randomly drawn from
the shelf one by one with replacement. Find the probability that the first cup drawn is blue and the
second cup drawn is white.
1
A. 12
5
B. 12
1
C. 22
1
D. 24
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(1st cup drawn is blue and 2nd cup drawn is white)
= P(1st cup drawn is blue)  P(2nd cup drawn is white)
3 2
×
= 12 12

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

 1
= 24
<end>

<code=SMath008211>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Terry forgets the password of a combination lock. He can only remember that the password is
25085, where the digits  and  forgotten are integers from 0 to 9 inclusive. Find the
probability that the digits forgotten can be found from the first five digits of the password.
4
A. 25
1
B. 4
9
C. 25
9
D. 10
Solution:
The answer is A.
 and  can be 2, 5, 0 and 8. There are 4 such integers.
The required probability
4 4
= 10 × 10
4
= 25
<end>

<code=SMath008212>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Joey answers two true-or-false questions and one multiple-choice question with four options by a
wild guess. Find the probability that she answers all the questions correctly.
1
A. 4
1
B. 8
1
C. 16
1
D. 64
Solution:
The answer is C.

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

 P(answering all the questions correctly)
1 1 1
=2 ×2 ×4
1
= 16
<end>

<code=SMath008213>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
The probabilities that Hugo and Tom have lunch in school are 0.7 and 0.4 respectively. Find the
probability that both of them do not have lunch in school.
A. 0.18
B. 0.28
C. 0.42
D. 0.72
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(both of them do not have lunch in school)

<end>

<code=SMath008214>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A fair dice is thrown three times. Find the probability that the sum of the numbers shown is less
than or equal to 16.
1
A. 216
1
B. 54
53
C. 54
215
D. 216
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(the sum is greater than 16)
= P(getting two ‘6’and a ‘5’) + P(getting three ‘6’)
1 1 1 1 1 1
× × ×3+ × ×
=6 6 6 6 6 6

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

 1
= 54
P(the sum is less than or equal to 16)
= 1 – P(the sum is greater than 16)
1
= 1 – 54
53
= 54
<end>

<code=SMath008215>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
The table shows the numbers of appliances with different places of production in a shop.
Place of production
China Japan Thailand
Kettle 21 5 9
Oven 12 7 2
A kettle and an oven are randomly chosen for sampling inspection. Find the probability that both
appliances chosen are not made in China.
6
A. 35
12
B. 35
23
C. 35
29
D. 35
Solution:
The answer is A.
Total number of kettles
= 21 + 5 + 9
= 35
Total number of ovens
= 12 + 7 + 2
= 21
P(both are not made in China)
= P(kettle chosen is not made in China)  P(oven chosen is not made in China)

(1−2135 )×( 1−1221 )

=

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

 6
= 35
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (Exercise-oriented Questions) P.24

<code=SMath008216>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Chester and Cyrus try to solve the same problem independently. The probability that Chester can
solve the problem is a. The probability that Cyrus can solve the problem is b. Find the probability
that only one of them can solve the problem.
A. ab
B. a(1  b) + b(1  a)
C. 1  ab
D. 1  (1  a)(1  b)
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(only one of them can solve the problem)
= P(Chester can solve)  P(Cyrus cannot solve) + P(Chester cannot solve)  P(Cyrus can solve)
= a(1  b) + b(1  a)
<end>

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

<code=SMath008217>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Samson and Ted participate in a marathon. The probability that Samson can complete the
marathon in 2.5 hours is 0.3. The probability that at least one of them can complete the marathon
in 2.5 hours is 0.44. Find the probability that only Samson can complete the marathon in 2.5 hours.
A. 0.2
B. 0.24
C. 0.258
D. 0.86
Solution:
The answer is B.
Let q be the probability that Ted cannot complete the marathon in 2.5 hours.
P(at least one of them can complete the marathon in 2.5 hours)
= 1  P(both of them cannot complete the marathon in 2.5 hours)
= 1  P(Samson cannot complete the marathon in 2.5 hours) 
P(Ted cannot complete the marathon in 2.5 hours)
= 1  (1  0.3)q
= 1  0.7q
∵ P(at least one of them can complete the marathon in 2.5 hours) = 0.44
∴ 1  0.7q = 0.44
0.7q = 0.56
q = 0.8
P(only Samson can complete the marathon in 2.5 hours)
= P(Samson can complete the marathon in 2.5 hours) 
P(Ted cannot complete the marathon in 2.5 hours)
= 0.3  0.8
= 0.24
<end>

© Oxford University Press 2024 5A Chapter 6 (Exercise-oriented Questions) P.26

<code=SMath008218>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6C><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Eddie and Francis are playing a game. First, Eddie throws a fair dice once. Then Francis throws
the dice once. If the number obtained by Francis is a multiple of the number obtained by Eddie,
then Francis will win. Otherwise, Eddie will win. Find the probability that Francis will win.
2
A. 9
7
B. 18
5
C. 12
1
D. 2
Solution:
The answer is B.
Let E(a) and F(b) represent the events that the numbers obtained by Eddie and Francis are a and b
respectively.
P(Francis will win)
= P[E(1)]  P[F(1) or F(2) or F(3) or F(4) or F(5) or F(6)] + P[E(2)]  P[F(2) or F(4) or F(6)] +
P[E(3)]  P[F(3) or F(6)] + P[E(4)]  P[F(4)] + P[E(5)]  P[F(5)] + P[E(6)]  P[F(6)]
1 6 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
= × + × + × + × + × + ×
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7
=
18
<end>

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

<code=SMath008219>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A chocolate manufacturer introduces a reward scheme. A scratch card is put inside 45% of the
boxes of chocolates. It is known that 36% of the scratch cards are printed with the word ‘Prize’ and
the remaining scratch cards are printed with the word ‘Bonus’. If a box of chocolates is randomly
selected, find the probability that a scratch card printed with the word ‘Bonus’ is put inside the
box.
A. 0.162
B. 0.198
C. 0.288
D. 0.352
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(a scratch card printed with the word ‘Bonus’)
= P(a scratch card) × P(printed with the word ‘Bonus’ | a scratch card)
= 45% × (1 – 36%)
= 0.288
<end>

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

<code=SMath008220>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A factory produces a batch of light bulbs. 30% of them are model A light bulbs and the remaining
are model B light bulbs. It is given that 90% of model A light bulbs meet the standard and 5% of
model B light bulbs are below standard. A light bulb is randomly selected from the batch. Find the
probability that the light bulb selected is below standard.
13
A. 200
3
B. 20
61
C. 200
187
D. 200
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(below standard)
= P(model A)  P(below standard | model A) + P(model B)  P(below standard | model B)
= 30%  (1 – 90%) + (1 – 30%)  5%
30 10 70 5
× + ×
= 100 100 100 100
13
= 200
<end>

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

<code=SMath008221>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
The figure shows a road network. A sheep is inside the network walking from left to right. If the
probabilities for choosing different routes at each junction are the same, find the probability that
the sheep reaches C or F.

5
A. 24
1
B. 4
2
C. 7
7
D. 24
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(reaching C or F)
=
P(reaching C) + P(reaching F)
1 1 1 1 1 1
= × × + × ×
2 3 2 2 2 2
5
=
24
<end>

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

<code=SMath008222>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
4
In a city, the probability that a certain day is cloudy is 15 . The probability that a certain day is
2
cloudy and a typhoon passes the city is 75 . Given that a certain day is cloudy, find the probability
that a typhoon passes the city on that day.
2
A. 55
1
B. 10
6
C. 25
20
D. 73
Solution:
The answer is B.
Let A be the event that a certain day is cloudy and B be the event that a typhoon passes the city on a
certain day.
4
P(A) = 15
2
P(A  B) = 75
The required probability
= P(B | A)
P ( A∩B )
= P( A )
2
75
4
= 15
1
= 10
<end>

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

<code=SMath008223>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A book is randomly chosen from a library. The probability of choosing a book written
1 3
in English is 2 . The probability of choosing a Science book is 10 . The probability of choosing a
1
Science book written in English is 5 . Given that the book chosen is written in English, the
probability that a Science book is chosen is
3
A. 10 .
2
B. 5.
3
C. 5.
2
D. 3.
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(Science book | written in English)
P (Science book and written in English )
= P (written in English )
1
5
1
=2
2
=5
<end>

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

<code=SMath008224>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
1 2
In a class, 3 of the students know the birthdays of their fathers, 5 of the students know the
1
birthdays of their mothers, and 15 of the students know the birthdays of both their
fathers and mothers. A student is selected randomly from the class. Given that the student selected
knows the birthday of his father, find the probability that he knows the birthday of his mother.
2
A. 15
1
B. 6
1
C. 5
2
D. 5
Solution:
The answer is C.
Let A be the event that the student knows the birthday of his father and B be the event that the
student knows the birthday of his mother.
1
P(A) = 3
1
P(A  B) = 15
The required probability = P(B  A)
P ( A∩B )
= P( A )
1
15
1
= 3
1
=5
<end>

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

<code=SMath008225>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
In a class, 75% of the students like cycling, and 15% of the students like both cycling and
ice-skating. A student is randomly selected from the class. Given that the student selected likes
cycling, find the probability that the student selected likes ice-skating.
1
A. 5
2
B. 5
3
C. 5
4
D. 5
Solution:
The answer is A.
Let A be the event that a student likes cycling and B be the event that a student likes ice-skating.
P(A) = 75% = 0.75
P(A  B) = 15% = 0.15
The required probability
= P(B | A)
P ( A∩B )
P( A )
=
0 .15
= 0 .75
1
=5
<end>

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

<code=SMath008226>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
In a company, 35% of the employees are male. It is known that 60% of the male employees and
40% of the female employees wear glasses. An employee is chosen at random from the company.
Given that the employee chosen wears glasses, find the probability that the employee is male.
14
A. 53
7
B. 20
21
C. 47
35
D. 61
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(male | wearing glasses)
P (male employee wearing glasses )
=
P (wearing glasses )
0. 35×0 .6
=
0. 35×0 .6+(1−0 . 35 )×0 . 4
21
=
47
<end>

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

<code=SMath008227>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
In a drinks cabinet, 45% of the drinks contain vitamin B, 30% of the drinks contain vitamin C and
60% of the drinks contain vitamin B or vitamin C. A drink is randomly selected from the cabinet.
Given that the drink selected contains vitamin C, find the probability that the drink selected
contains vitamin B.
1
A. 4
1
B. 3
1
C. 2
2
D. 3
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(contains vitamin B and contains vitamin C)
= P(contains vitamin B) + P(contains vitamin C)  P(contains vitamin B or contains vitamin C)
= 45% + 30%  60%
9 3 3
+ −
= 20 10 5
3
= 20
P(contains vitamin B | contains vitamin C)
P (contains vitamin B and contains vitamin C )
= P(contains vitamin C )
3
20
3
= 10
1
=2
<end>

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

<code=SMath008228>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
1 1 2
The probabilities that three people A, B and C pass a test are 6 , 2 and 3 respectively. Given
that only one of them passes the test, find the probability that A passes the test.
1
A. 16
5
B. 16
3
C. 8
4
D. 9
Solution:
The answer is A.
P(only one of them passes)
= P(only A passes) + P(only B passes) + P(only C passes)
1
=6 
1−
1
( ) ( )( )
2 
1−
2
3 +
1−
1 1
6 2 
1−
2
3 +
1−
1
6 
1−( )( ) ( )
1 2
2 3
4
=9
P(A passes | only one of them passes)
P(only A passes)
= P (only one of them passes)
1
6 ( )( )
1
× 1− × 1−
2
2
3
4
= 9
1
= 16
<end>

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

<code=SMath008229>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A number is chosen at random from the 60 integers 1 to 60. Given that the number chosen is not
less than 25, find the probability that the number chosen is a prime number.
2
A. 15
2
B. 9
8
C. 35
9
D. 25
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(not less than 25)
36
= 60
3
=5
The prime numbers not less than 25 between 1 and 60 are 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53 and 59.
There are 8 such numbers.
P(prime number | not less than 25)
P (prime number not less than 25 )
= P(not less than 25 )
8
60
3
= 5
2
=9
<end>

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

<code=SMath008230>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
The table below shows the numbers of boys and girls in classes S5A and S5B.
S5A S5B
Boys 12 17
Girls 21 14
Now a student is randomly selected from the two classes. Given that the student chosen is a girl,
find the probability that the girl is from S5B.
7
A. 32
7
B. 26
2
C. 5
14
D. 31
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(a girl from S5B | girl)
P(a girl from S5B )
=
P(girl)
14
12+21+17 +14
=
14 +21
12+21+17 +14
2
=
5
<end>

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

<code=SMath008231>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
The probabilities that Samson goes to restaurant A and restaurant B for lunch are 0.6 and 0.4
respectively. If he chooses restaurant A for lunch, the probability that he will spend not more than
$30 is 0.8. If he chooses restaurant B for lunch, the probability that he will spend not more than
$30 is 0.4. Given that Samson spent not more than $30 for lunch yesterday, find the probability
that he went to restaurant A for lunch.
A. 0.64
B. 0.72
C. 0.75
D. 0.8
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(restaurant A | spending not more than $30)
P (restaurant A and spending not more than $30 )
=
P (spending not more than $30)
0. 6×0 . 8
=
0. 6×0 . 8+0 . 4×0 . 4
=0. 75
<end>

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

<code=SMath008232>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
1 3 5
Let A and B be two dependent events. If P(A) = 5 , P(B) = 4 and P(B | A) = 8 , find P(A | B).
1
A. 8
1
B. 6
5
C. 6
7
D. 8
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(A  B)
= P(A)  P(B | A)
1 5
×
=5 8
1
=8
P(A | B)
P ( A∩B )
= P (B )
1
8
3
=4
1
=6
<end>

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

<code=SMath008233>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6D><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Let A and B be two dependent events, where P(A) = 0.4, P(B) = 0.6 and P(A | B) = 0.5.
Find P(B | A).
A. 0.48
B. 0.5
C. 0.75
D. Cannot be found
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(A  B) = P(B)  P(A | B)
= 0.6  0.5
= 0.3
P(A  B) = P(A)  P(B | A)
∴ P(A)  P(B | A)= 0.3
0.4  P(B | A) = 0.3
P(B | A) = 0.75
<end>

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

<code=SMath008234>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
4 students are randomly selected from the 10 students with student numbers 1 to 10. Find the
probability that the student numbers of the students selected are not greater than 6.
1
A. 42
1
B. 14
2
C. 5
3
D. 5
Solution:
The answer is B.
10
Number of ways of selecting 4 students from 10 students = C 4
Number of ways of selecting 4 students from 6 students whose student numbers are not greater
6
than 6 = C 4
∴ The required probability
6
C4
10
= C4
1
= 14
<end>

<code=SMath008235>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A bag contains 5 red balls and 7 white balls. If 3 balls are drawn from the bag at random, find the
probability of getting 2 red balls and 1 white ball.
7
A. 66
7
B. 33
7
C. 22
21
D. 44
Solution:
The answer is C.
C25 C17
12
The required probability = C3

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

 7
22
=
<end>

<code=SMath008236>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
In a bag, there are 9 black balls and 7 white balls. If 3 balls are drawn randomly from the bag, find
the probability that 2 black balls and 1 white ball are drawn.
9
A. 80
3
B. 20
27
C. 80
9
D. 20
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(2 black balls and 1 white ball)
C92 ×C 71
9+7
= C3
9
= 20
<end>

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

<code=SMath008237>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Mr Chan, Miss Cheung and 10 other people have an individual interview in a company. If each
applicant is interviewed once only and the order of interviews is randomly arranged, find the
probability that Mr Chan is interviewed just before Miss Cheung.
1
A. 2
1
B. 6
1
C. 12
1
D. 66
Solution:
The answer is C.
P(Mr Chan is interviewed just before Miss Cheung)
11!
= 12!
1
= 12
<end>

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

<code=SMath008238>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
3 students from school A and 5 students from school B participate in a piano performance. Each
student performs once and the order of performance is randomly arranged. Find the probability
that the 5 students from school B perform successively.
1
A. 14
1
B. 28
1
C. 56
1
D. 336
Solution:
The answer is A.
Number of ways of arranging the 8 students = 8!
Consider the 5 students from school B as 1 unit.
Number of ways of arranging the 3 students from school A and the 1 unit = 4!
Number of ways of arranging the 5 students from school B = 5!
∴ The required probability
4!×5!
= 8!
1
= 14
<end>

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

<code=SMath008239>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
A 6-digit number is randomly formed by the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Find the probability that 1, 3
and 5 are next to each other, and 5 is in the middle of 1 and 3.
1
A. 15
1
B. 10
2
C. 15
14
D. 15
Solution:
The answer is A.
Consider 1, 3 and 5 as one unit, where 5 is in the middle of 1 and 3.
Number of ways of arranging the remaining 3 digits and the unit = 4!
Number of ways of arranging 1 and 3 = 2!
If there is no restriction,
number of ways of arranging the 6 digits = 6!
∴ The required probability
4! ×2!
= 6!
1
= 15
<end>

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

<code=SMath008240>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
The letters in the word ‘POINT’ are rearranged at random into different orders. Find the
probability that the letters ‘P’, ‘I’ and ‘T’ are put in adjacent positions.
1
A. 20
1
B. 10
1
C. 5
3
D. 10
Solution:
The answer is D.
P(‘P’, ‘I’ and ‘T’ are put in adjacent positions)
3!3!

5!
3

10
<end>

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

<code=SMath008241>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
There are 10 different books on a table, 3 of them are novels, 2 are dictionaries and the remaining
5 books are of different categories. If the 10 books are put on a bookshelf and lined up in a row at
random, find the probability that books of the same category are put in adjacent positions.
1
A. 42
1
B. 60
1
C. 420
1
D. 2 520
Solution:
The answer is B.
P(books of the same category are put in adjacent positions)
3!2!7!

10!
1

60
<end>

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

<code=SMath008242>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
The letters of the word ‘RAINBOW’ are randomly arranged in a row. Find the probability that ‘R’,
‘A’, ‘I’ and ‘N’ are not next to each other.
1
A. 840
1
B. 210
1
C. 35
1
D. 6
Solution:
The answer is C.
Step 1: Arrange ‘B’, ‘O’ and ‘W’ first.
Number of ways of arranging ‘B’, ‘O’ and ‘W’ = 3!
Step 2: Since ‘R’, ‘A’, ‘I’ and ‘N’ are not next to each other, ‘R’, ‘A’, ‘I’ and ‘N’ must be
separated by ‘B’, ‘O’ and ‘W’. After ‘B’, ‘O’ and ‘W’ are arranged, there are 4 places for
‘R’, ‘A’, ‘I’ and ‘N’, and the number of ways of arranging ‘R’, ‘A’, ‘I’ and ‘N’ is 4!.
If there is no restriction,
number of ways of arranging the 7 letters = 7!
The required probability
3! ×4!
= 7!
1
= 35
<end>

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

<code=SMath008243>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Four different numbers are selected randomly from the 10 integers between 41 and 50. Given that
3 of the numbers selected are odd numbers, find the probability that 2 of the numbers selected are
prime numbers.
3
A. 10
10
B. 21
1
C. 2
3
D. 5
Solution:
The answer is D.
Between 41 and 50 inclusive, only 41, 43 and 47 are prime numbers.
P(2 prime numbers | 3 odd numbers)
P (2 prime numbers  3 odd numbers )
 P (3 odd numbers )
C23 C12 C15
C410

C35 C15
C410
3

5
<end>

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

<code=SMath008244>
<bk=5A><ch=6><ex=6E><lvl=MC><cat=NF><mark=2><content>
Five different numbers are selected randomly from the integers between 1 and 10 inclusive. Given
that one of the numbers selected is ‘6’, find the probability that ‘6’ is the third largest number
among the five numbers selected.
5
A. 21
20
B. 63
25
C. 63
10
D. 21
Solution:
The answer is D.
P (6 is the third largest )

P(6 is the third largest | one of the number is 6) P (one of the number is 6)
C25 1 C24
C510

C49
C510
10

21
<end>

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