[Math] A die is rolled 5 times, what is the probability that there are exactly 2 fives

probability

A die is rolled 5 times.
Determine the probability that there are exactly 2 fives. The answer should be a decimal.

Best Answer

Let's look at one possible way:

$$x_1, 5, x_2, 5, x_3$$

The $x_i$ stand for "anything else but 5." The probability of this event is $(\frac{1}{6})^2(\frac{5}{6})^3$. So, it can happen in this particular way OR (this is the key word) another way corresponding to all the other ways to arrange the fives. How many ways are there to arrange two objects in a set of five?

The answer is $\binom {5}{3}$. Hence, the probability of your event is $$\binom {5}{3}\left(\frac{1}{6}\right)^2\left(\frac{5}{6}\right)^3.$$