16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisVery hardProbability of at least one success

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A basketball player makes a free throw with probability 1/4, and each throw is independent. If the player takes two free throws, what is the probability that the player makes AT LEAST one?

Answer: 7/16

P(at least one) = 1 − P(miss both) = 1 − (3/4)(3/4) = 1 − 9/16 = 7/16.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 1/2
1/2 adds 1/4 + 1/4, which double-counts making both.
If you answered 1/16
1/16 is the probability of making BOTH.
If you answered 9/16
9/16 is the probability of missing both — the complement of the answer.

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