The Student Room Group

maths question help please

hi, please could i have help on the last part? i worked out the probability s=n is 2/3 because i thought the p(s)+p(x=1 or 2)=1 but not sure how that helps or if its correct?
the answer for n is 15, thanks!

Reply 1

Original post
by anonymous56754
hi, please could i have help on the last part? i worked out the probability s=n is 2/3 because i thought the p(s)+p(x=1 or 2)=1 but not sure how that helps or if its correct?
the answer for n is 15, thanks!

Screenshot 2025-05-30 194747.png

Reply 2

Working out the probability is overthinking it a little, look at the ranges of the variables you've got in the question.
You're directly given that X, Y = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (the values of a die).
Use the definition of S to consider which values of S are possible or not possible when X = 1 or 2 (and hence when the conditions are mutually exclusive).

Reply 3

Original post
by Rufus The Red
Working out the probability is overthinking it a little, look at the ranges of the variables you've got in the question.
You're directly given that X, Y = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (the values of a die).
Use the definition of S to consider which values of S are possible or not possible when X = 1 or 2 (and hence when the conditions are mutually exclusive).

sorry, im still a bit confused. When they are mutually exclusive, the two events wont overlap so does that mean we only consider x>3 s=x+y? I'm not sure what to do after that? thanks!

Reply 4

Original post
by anonymous56754
sorry, im still a bit confused. When they are mutually exclusive, the two events wont overlap so does that mean we only consider x>3 s=x+y? I'm not sure what to do after that? thanks!

Your definition of mutual exclusivity is correct.
Having 'no overlap' means you want to find an n so that there are no cases (i.e., no combinations of X and Y) where {X = 1 or 2} and {S=n} are both true.
If you know that this only holds if X = 1 or 2, which part of the definition of S is relevant?
Then if X = 1 or 2, what values could S take?
And once you know the values which S could take, can you find an n which is not one of those values?

Reply 5

Original post
by Rufus The Red
Your definition of mutual exclusivity is correct.
Having 'no overlap' means you want to find an n so that there are no cases (i.e., no combinations of X and Y) where {X = 1 or 2} and {S=n} are both true.
If you know that this only holds if X = 1 or 2, which part of the definition of S is relevant?
Then if X = 1 or 2, what values could S take?
And once you know the values which S could take, can you find an n which is not one of those values?

ohh, i see what you mean and it makes sense now, thanks!

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.