Question

In the dryer there are 18 red socks, 24 white socks, 8 blue socks, and 10 black socks. Fred wants to have two matching socks to wear. He reaches into the dryer and without looking pulls out one sock at a time. what is the minimum number of socks he need to pull out to be sure he will have a matching pair

Answer 1

To be sure of having a matching pair of socks, Fred needs to pull out at least 3 socks.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. To ensure a matching pair, Fred needs to pull out at least 3 socks. This is because if he pulls out 2 socks of different colors, there is still a chance that the next sock he pulls out will match one of the previous socks.
2. However, if Fred pulls out a third sock, he will definitely have a matching pair. This is because in the worst-case scenario, Fred could have pulled out 2 socks of different colors and the third sock he pulls out will match one of the previous socks.
3. So, to be sure he will have a matching pair, Fred needs to pull out at least 3 socks.

Answer 2

I'm guessing that the answer would be 60