Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardAt least one success in two independent tries
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
Each time a player takes a free throw, the probability of scoring is 0.2, independently of other throws. What is the probability that the player scores at least once in two throws?
Answer: 0.36 or .36 or 9/25
The probability of missing both is 0.8 × 0.8 = 0.64. At least one score is the complement: 1 − 0.64 = 0.36.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 0.4
- 0.4 adds 0.2 + 0.2, which double-counts the case where both throws score.
- If you answered 0.04
- 0.04 is the probability of scoring BOTH throws (0.2 × 0.2), not at least one.
- If you answered 0.64
- 0.64 is the probability of missing both throws — the complement of the answer.
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