Question 199665
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When odds are expressed as A:B, that means for every B units of money that you stake, you will get a return of A units, plus your original stake as a payout.  So for every dollar you bet on Lightning, you get *[tex \Large \frac{9}{4}] of a dollar in winnings plus the original amount you bet:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{9}{4}\cdot8 + 8 = 18 + 8 = 26]


But, the question asked what were the <i>net</i> winnings.  That means how much <i>more</i> does Sally have than she did before she made the bet?  So take the $26 payout and subtract the $8 original bet leaving a net gain of $18.


John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0]
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