Question

The probability that Kunle solves a particular question is 1/3 while that of Tayo is 1/5. If both of them attempt the question, find the probability that only one of them will solve the question.

Answer 1

The probability that only one of Kunle or Tayo solves the question is 2/5. We arrive at this by considering each scenario where one solves and the other does not and adding those probabilities together.

Step-by-step explanation:

The probability that only one of Kunle or Tayo solves a particular question can be found by considering two scenarios: Kunle solves the question and Tayo does not, or Tayo solves the question and Kunle does not. To calculate this, we use the probabilities given:

• Probability Kunle solves the question, P(K) = 1/3
• Probability Tayo solves the question, P(T) = 1/5
• Probability Kunle does not solve the question, P(K') = 1 - P(K) = 2/3
• Probability Tayo does not solve the question, P(T') = 1 - P(T) = 4/5

The probability that only one of them solves the question is found by adding the probability of each scenario:

P(K and T') + P(K' and T) = (P(K) × P(T')) + (P(K') × P(T))
= (1/3 × 4/5) + (2/3 × 1/5)
= (4/15) + (2/15)
= 6/15 or 2/5 when simplified.

Thus, the probability that only one of Kunle or Tayo solves the question is 2/5.