SOLUTION: At least one-half of an airplane's engines are required to function in order for it to operate. If each engine independently functions with probability .8, is a 4-engine plane more

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Question 347660: At least one-half of an airplane's engines are required to function in order for it to operate. If each engine independently functions with probability .8, is a 4-engine plane more likely to operate than a 2-engine plane?
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I think the question you're asking is "Is it more likely (probable) that you will operate the plane on 2 engines rather than 4 engines". Because you already stated that a 4 engine plane operates just like a 2 engine plane, so they both operate.
With four engines, the possible 2 engine failures, there are 6 configurations with 2 good engines and 2 bad engines from GGBB-BBGG.
P%282+failed%29=6%2A%280.8%29%5E2%280.2%29%5E2=0.1536
P%280+failed%29=1%2A%280.8%29%5E4%280.2%29%5E0=0.4096
The probability is higher that you will be operating on 4 engines rather than 2.
Surprisingly, P(1 failed)=P(0 failed).