[Math] probability of drawing last black ball from the box

probability

A box contains 40 numbered red balls and 60 numbered black balls. From the box, balls are drawn one by one at random without replacement till all the balls are drawn. The probability the that last ball drawn is black equals to

a) $1/100\quad $ b) $1/60\quad $ c) $3/5\quad $ d) $2/3\quad $

My try:

total red balls=40 ,

total black balls=60

The probability of drawing last black ball=total black balls/(total balls)
$$=\frac{60}{40+60}=60/100=3/5$$

I guessed this answer which is correct but i don't think that my procedure is correct. I think there should be a correct solution to such problems of probability. Please give correct solution to this problem.
My book suggests that answer must be 3/5

thanks

Best Answer

If you want to complicate matters, you could compute

$\text{(ways of placing 59 black balls in 99)/(ways of placing 100 black balls in 60)}= \dfrac{\binom{99}{59}}{\binom{100}{60}}$

but the book's suggestion is good. Imagine all the balls to be randomly placed in a line, and ask

  • what is the probability that the first ball, say, is black ? $\frac35$

  • what is the probability that the ninth ball, say, is black ? $\frac35\;\;$

  • what is the probability that the $i^{th}$ ball is black ? $\frac35\;\;$ isn't it ?

  • so what is the probability that the last ball is black ?

Related Question