Chapter 10.8, Problem 13IP

To determine

The probability that the mother’s first three children be girls.

Answer to Problem 13IP

The probability is $\frac{1}{8}$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

A new born baby is equally likely to be male or female. The probability that the mother’s first three children will be girls.

Formula Used:

  $\text{P=}\frac{\text{No}\text{.}\text{of}\text{favorable}\text{outcomes}}{\text{No}\text{.}\text{of}\text{possible}\text{outcomes}}$

Calculation:

The Fundamental Counting Principle to find the number of possible outcomes. There are 2 possible outcomes for the first baby, 2 possible outcomes for the second baby, and 2 possible outcomes for the third baby.

  $2\times 2\times 2=8$

There are 8 possible outcomes.

The probability is determined as below,

There is one way to have three girls. So, the probability is $\frac{1}{8}$ .

Conclusion:

The probability is $\frac{1}{8}$ .