Final answer:
In betting, the odds of 3 to 5 against mean you win $5 for every $3 risked. If you place a $20 bet and win, you would gain $13.33.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question requires us to calculate the gain from a winning bet using the definition of odds in betting. The odds given are 3 to 5, meaning for every 3 unsuccessful outcomes, there are 5 successful ones. To find the gain from a $20 bet at these odds, we calculate the prospective win amount at the odds provided.
If the odds are 3 to 5 against winning, then for every $3 risked, you win $5. Therefore, if you bet $20, and win, the calculation is as follows:
- $20 (your bet) / $3 (the 'against' part of the odds) = X
- X * $5 (the 'for' part of the odds) = your potential winnings
- To find X: $20 / $3 ≈ $6.66
- Your potential winnings: $6.66 * 5 = $33.33
- Your gain is your potential winnings minus your original bet: $33.33 - $20 = $13.33
Therefore, if you bet $20 on odds of 3 to 5 and win, your gain would be $13.33.