Question

A researcher is exploring the notion that there is an economy of scale in raising children. While having one child might add to a family's financial stress, the second or third one might not be as "expensive" since they would already be sharing one roof, could share clothing, etc. The researcher has access to a large community of parents where 15% have one child under 18 in their home, 65% of parents have two children, and 20% of parents have three or more children. Rounded to the nearest whole number, the probability that any given family who is selected has two or more children at home is ________ %?

Answer 1

The probability that any given family who is selected has two or more children at home is 85%.

Explanation:

The information provided is as follows:

Number of Children Probability

1 0.15

2 0.65

> 3 0.20

Compute the probability that any given family who is selected has two or more children at home as follows:

P (At least 2 Children) = P (2 children) + P (More than 3 children)

= 0.65 + 0.20

= 0.85

Thus, the probability that any given family who is selected has two or more children at home is 85%.