Question

In an experiment, there are n independent trials. For each trial, there are three outcomes, A, B, and C. For each trial, the probability of outcome A is 0.80; the probability of outcome B is 0.10; and the probability of outcome C is 0.10. Suppose there are 10 trials.

Can we use the binomial experiment model to determine the probability of four outcomes of type A, five of type B, and one of type C? Explain.

(A) Yes. A binomial probability model applies to three outcomes per trial.
(B) No. A binomial probability model applies to only two outcomes per trial.
(C) Yes. Each outcome has a probability of success and failure.
(D) No. A binomial probability model applies to only one outcome per trial.

Answer 1

(B) No. A binomial probability model applies to only two outcomes per trial.

Explanation:

The binomial probability is the probability of having
`x` sucesses on
`n` repeated trials of an experiment that can only have two outcomes. This is why it is called the binomial probability.

Since in our problem there are three possible outcomes, the binomial probability cannot be used.

The correct answer is (B)

(B) No. A binomial probability model applies to only two outcomes per trial.