An urn has 9 red, 7 white, and 4 black balls (total 20). If one ball is drawn at random, what is the probability that it is not red?
Aptitude
Probability
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A1/11
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B9/20
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C2/11
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D11/20
Answer
Correct Answer: 11/20
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This is a direct single-draw probability problem with a finite equally likely sample space. We want the chance that the colour of the drawn ball is not red.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Red: 9, White: 7, Black: 4.
- Total balls = 9 + 7 + 4 = 20.
- Single draw, each ball equally likely.
Concept / Approach:P(not red) = 1 − P(red) = (non-red count) / (total count). Non-red balls are white + black.
Step-by-Step Solution:Non-red balls = 7 + 4 = 11.Total = 20.Probability = 11/20.
Verification / Alternative check:Compute P(red) = 9/20, then 1 − 9/20 = 11/20, consistent.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:1/11 and 2/11 invert counts; 9/20 is P(red); 9/20 ≠ P(not red).
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting to add both white and black when counting non-red outcomes.
Final Answer:11/20