SOLUTION: Please help me...I can't seem to get this one. The odds against thunderbolt winning the Birmingham Derby are 11:3. Find the probability that Thunderbolt wins. Thank you in

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Question 200220: Please help me...I can't seem to get this one.
The odds against thunderbolt winning the Birmingham Derby are 11:3. Find the probability that Thunderbolt wins.
Thank you in advance!
Found 2 solutions by edjones, solver91311:
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3/(11+3)=3/14

Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


To convert odds to probability, add the two parts of the odds statement. You have 11:3, so add 11 plus 3 = 14. That is the denominator of the probability fraction. The first number in the odds statement is the numerator of the probability fraction. So given that the odds AGAINST Thunderbolt winning is 11:3, your probability that Thunderbolt WON'T win is:



If there are only two possible outcomes, the sum of the probability something WILL happen and the probability that it WON'T happen is always 1. So, subtract the probability that it won't happen from 1 to get the probability that it will.




John