Can it be concluded that if there is a 50% chance of contracting a communicable disease through contact with an infected person, there would be a 100% chance of contracting the disease if 2 contacts were made with the infected person?

Question

Mathematics

Jerome Anthony

16 August, 15:01

Can it be concluded that if there is a 50% chance of contracting a communicable disease through contact with an infected person, there would be a 100% chance of contracting the disease if 2 contacts were made with the infected person?

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Answers (1)

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Alannah · Answer 1

No it cannot be concluded.

Step-by-step explanation:

The probability of getting the disease in the first attempt is 50%

The probability of getting the disease in the second attempt is 50%

Thus the probability of getting the disease in either of the turns is 50%+50%=100% (which may seem to be true)

BUT

The probability of not getting the disease in the first attempt is 50%

The probability of not getting the disease in the second attempt is 50%

Thus the probability of not getting the disease in either of the turns is 50%+50%=100% (which is also true for this case)

Thus the probability of getting the disease in either of the 2 contacts is still 50%