At least two people roll the same number?

amy-lee

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Apr 29, 2008
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To play a game, a die is rolled to see who plays first. Four players are going to play the game. What is the probability that at least two people roll the same number?

I am not sure how to set up the question?
 
Hello, amy-lee!

To play a game, a die is rolled to see who plays first.
Four players are going to play the game.
What is the probability that at least two people roll the same number?

The opposite of "at least two roll the same number" is "no one rolls the same number."

We will find the probability that all four players roll differerent numbers

\(\displaystyle \text{Player 1 can roll any number; it doesn't matter.}\)
\(\displaystyle \text{Player 2 must roll a number different from 1: }\:p = \frac{5}{6}\)
\(\displaystyle \text{Player 3 must roll a number different from 1 and 2: }\:p = \frac{4}{6}\)
\(\displaystyle \text{Player 4 must roll a number different from 1, 2, and 3: }\:p = \frac{3}{6}\)

\(\displaystyle \text{The probability that they roll different numbers is: }\:\frac{5}{6}\cdot\frac{4}{6}\cdot\frac{3}{6} \:=\:\frac{5}{18}\)


\(\displaystyle \text{Therefore, the probability that at least two roll the same number is: }\;1 - \frac{5}{18} \;=\;\boxed{\frac{13}{18}}\)

 
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