Question:

Let A, B and C be three events such that the probability that exactly one of A and B occurs is \((1-k)\), the probability that exactly one of B and C occurs is \((1-2k)\), the probability that exactly one of C and A occurs is \((1-k)\) and the probability of all A, B and C occur simultaneously is \(k^2\), where \(0\lt k\lt1\). Then the probability that at least one of A, B and C occur is :

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Add the three "exactly one" probabilities to get \(\sum P(A)-\sum P(A\cap B)\), then use inclusion-exclusion.
Updated On: Nov 4, 2026
  • greater than \(\frac{1}{8}\) but less than \(\frac{1}{4}\)
  • greater than \(\frac{1}{2}\)
  • greater than \(\frac{1}{4}\) but less than \(\frac{1}{2}\)
  • exactly equal to \(\frac{1}{2}\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

\(P(\text{exactly one of }A,B)=P(A)+P(B)-2P(A\cap B)=1-k\), and similarly for the other pairs.
Adding: \(2\sum P(A)-2\sum P(A\cap B)=(1-k)+(1-2k)+(1-k)=3-4k\), so \(\sum P(A)-\sum P(A\cap B)=\frac{3-4k}{2}\).
\(P(A\cup B\cup C)=\sum P(A)-\sum P(A\cap B)+P(A\cap B\cap C)=\frac{3-4k}{2}+k^2=k^2-2k+\frac32=(k-1)^2+\frac12\).
For \(0\lt k\lt1\), \((k-1)^2\gt0\), so the probability is greater than \(\frac12\).
Answer: (2) greater than \(\frac{1}{2}\)
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