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 8080 bicycle owners, not all 200200 people. Of these, 3030 also own a car. The probability is 3080=38\frac{30}{80}=\frac{3}{8}, choice C. Choice A (30200\frac{30}{200}) divides by everyone surveyed, which gives the probability of owning both. Choice B (30120\frac{30}{120}) divides by the car owners, which answers the reverse question. Choice D (80200\frac{80}{200}) is the probability of owning a bicycle at all. Always identify the condition and use it as the denominator.

More Probability and counting questions

All Probability and counting questions

Learn the method behind questions like this one

The ACT Math course teaches each tested skill through lessons, step-by-step solutions to sample problems, the complete study guide and full-length practice tests.