Sometimes probability statements are expressed in terms of odds.
The odds in favor of an event A are the ratio

For instance, if P(A) = 0.60, then P(Ac) = 0.40 and the odds in favor of A are
0.60/0.40 = 6/4 = 3/2 , written as 3 to 2 or 3:2.
(a) Show that if we are given the odds in favor of event A as n: m, the probability of event A is given by P(A) = n/ n + m Hint: Solve the equation

(b) A telemarketing supervisor tells a new worker that the odds of making a sale on a single call are 2 to 15. What is the probability of a successful call?
(c) A sports announcer says that the odds a basketball player will make a free throw shot are 3 to 5. What is the probability the player will make the shot?

Transcribed Image Text:

P(A) P(not A) P(A) P(A) 12 P(A) m 1 P(A)