To reduce laboratory costs, water samples from two public swimming pools are combined for one test for the presence of bacteria. Further testing is done only if the combined sample tests positive. Based on past results, there is a 0.005 probability of finding bacteria in a public swimming area. Find the probability that a combined sample from two public swimming areas will reveal the presence of bacteria. Is the probability low enough so that further testing of the individual samples is rarely necessary?

Question

Mathematics

Issac Grant

31 January, 14:43

To reduce laboratory costs, water samples from two public swimming pools are combined for one test for the presence of bacteria. Further testing is done only if the combined sample tests positive. Based on past results, there is a 0.005 probability of finding bacteria in a public swimming area. Find the probability that a combined sample from two public swimming areas will reveal the presence of bacteria. Is the probability low enough so that further testing of the individual samples is rarely necessary?

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Caiden Church · Answer 1

I don't know if it's low enough, but i can give you another answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

So the probability of finding bacteria in a public swimming are is 0.005.

But if you combine the samples then the probability of finding bacteria is 0.01 because you add the probabilities of finding bacteria of the two swimming pools.