Volcano X.01192292029

Probability Level pending

Far away in a galaxy lies the very bright star known as Math. Math has a planet called Probability orbiting around it. On that planet lies Volcano X. According to the habitants the Volcano has a 1 3 \frac{1}{3} chance of erupting in any 20 min interval . What is the probability of it erupting in 2 hours ? Enter The answer in decimal form rounded to the nearest whole number in percent .

Source : Some part of Aops problems.


The answer is 91.

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1 solution

Michael Mendrin
Jul 23, 2018

Let's say we divide the 20 20 minutes into 20 n 20n intervals. Then the probability p p of any one interval can be found by solving

1 ( 1 p ) 20 n = 1 3 1-\left(1-p\right)^{20n}=\dfrac{1}{3}

p = 1 ( 2 3 ) 1 20 n p=1-\left(\dfrac{2}{3}\right)^{\frac{1}{20n}}

The probability of an eruption over 120 n 120n intervals, or 2 2 hours, is

1 ( 1 p ) 120 n 1-\left(1-p\right)^{120n}

= 1 ( 2 3 ) 6 0.9122... =1-\left(\dfrac{2}{3}\right)^6 \approx 0.9122...

Yes, Awesome!

Arjun SHRIVASTAVA - 2 years, 10 months ago

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