Question

A probability experiment has two steps. There are two possible results for the first step, call them "A" and "B". If the result for the first step was "A", then there would be 4 possible results for the second step. If the result for the first step was "B", then there would be 16 possible results for the second step. How many possible outcomes are there for this experiment? Place your answer in the blank

Answer 1

20

Explanation:

Two possible results A and B

If the result for the first step was "A", then there would be 4 possible results for the second step.

Let us say the 4 possible results are 1,2 ,3,4

So, Possible outcomes for this case = {A1,A2,A3,A4} =4

If the result for the first step was "B", then there would be 16 possible results for the second step.

Let us say the 16 possible results are 1,2 ,3,4,....,16

So, Possible outcomes for this case = {B1,B2,B3,B4,....,B16} =16

So, Total possible outcomes = 16+4 = 20

Hence there are 20 possible outcomes for this experiment.