ACT Math · Probability and counting
Of 200 people surveyed, 120 own a car, 80 own a bicycle, and 30 own both. If a person who owns a bicycle is selected at random, what is…
Of 200 people surveyed, 120 own a car, 80 own a bicycle, and 30 own both. If a person who owns a bicycle is selected at random, what is the probability that person also owns a car?
Answer and explanation
Answer: C: 3/8
This is a conditional probability. The person owns a bicycle, so the sample space is the bicycle owners, not all people. Of these, also own a car. The probability is , choice C. Choice A () divides by everyone surveyed, which gives the probability of owning both. Choice B () divides by the car owners, which answers the reverse question. Choice D () is the probability of owning a bicycle at all. Always identify the condition and use it as the denominator.
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