Calculate the number of outcomes We can calculate the number of possible outcomes instead of making a list, by using a formula. n = total r = total number chosen can also be written as n C r.
Example 3 cards are dealt from an ordinary pack of playing cards. a)Calculate the probability that 3 kings are dealt. b)Calculate the probability that 2 jacks and 1 queen are dealt. We must first calculate the total number of combinations of choosing 3 cards. 52 C 3 = (This is the denominator throughout the question.)
b) Deal 2 jacks and 1 queen = 4 C 2 x 4 C 1 = 24 P(Deal 2 jacks and 1 queen) = 24. = a)Ddeal 3 kings = 4 C 3 = 4 P(deal 3 kings) = 4. =