SOLUTION: A basketball player makes 49% of his three-point shots and 68% of his free throws. If he is fouled while taking a three-point shot, he is given three free-throws. Which is greater;

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Question 255714: A basketball player makes 49% of his three-point shots and 68% of his free throws. If he is fouled while taking a three-point shot, he is given three free-throws. Which is greater; the expected number of points from taking a three-point shot or the expected number of points from taking three free-throws?
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
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A basketball player makes 49% of his three-point shots and 68% of his free throws.
If he is fouled while taking a three-point shot, he is given three free-throws.
Which is greater; the expected number of points from taking a three-point shot or the expected number of points from taking three free-throws?
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Expected points from 3-point shot = 3*0.49 = 1.47
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Expected points from 3 free-throws = ?
3(0.68)^3
+2[3C2(0.68)^2*(0.32)
+1(3C1(0.68)*(0.32)^2
+0(0.32) = 2.04
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Conclusion: Take the free-throws.
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Cheers,
Stan H.