SOLUTION: a penny, a nickel, a dime, and a quarter are tossed. What is the probability of obtaining exactly one head on the tosses? Thank you in advance. I have 15/16 but I think that is w

Algebra ->  Probability-and-statistics -> SOLUTION: a penny, a nickel, a dime, and a quarter are tossed. What is the probability of obtaining exactly one head on the tosses? Thank you in advance. I have 15/16 but I think that is w      Log On


   

Question 1180142: a penny, a nickel, a dime, and a quarter are tossed. What is the probability of obtaining exactly one head on the tosses? Thank you in advance. I have 15/16 but I think that is wrong.
Answer by greenestamps(13208) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


There are 2 possible outcomes for each coin -- heads or tails.

For four coins, the total number of possible outcomes is 2^4=16.

There are 4 ways you can get exactly one head: it can be any one of the four coins.
                       # of ways of getting one head     4     1
P(exactly one head) = ------------------------------- = --- = ---
                       total # of possible outcomes     16     4