SOLUTION: Hi tutors, my question is about coin toss and I think the answer is 3/8 but not 100% sure, so: Three coins are tossed. What is the probability that at least one coin shows heads?

Algebra ->  Probability-and-statistics -> SOLUTION: Hi tutors, my question is about coin toss and I think the answer is 3/8 but not 100% sure, so: Three coins are tossed. What is the probability that at least one coin shows heads?       Log On


   

Question 742381: Hi tutors, my question is about coin toss and I think the answer is 3/8 but not 100% sure, so:
Three coins are tossed. What is the probability that at least one coin shows heads? Is it a complimentary probability or independent event? Somewhat confused by this.
Thanks again for the help and clarification.
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20064) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Three coins are tossed. What is the probability that
at least one coin shows heads?
Think of all the possible ways:

   1st       2nd       3rd        Does at least
   coin      coin      coin      one show heads? 
1.  H         H         H             yes
2.  H         H         T             yes
3.  H         T         H             yes         
4.  H         T         T             yes
5.  T         H         H             yes          
6.  T         H         T             yes
7.  T         T         H             yes
8.  T         T         T             no

Answer: 7 times out of 8 or 7%2F8.

Edwin