Question

Three ordinary coins having only two sides, namely, heads and tails are tossed in the air and two of such tossed coins land with tails facing upwards. Determine that what are the chances on the next toss of the coins, at least two of the coins will land with the tails facing upwards?

• A. 80%
• B. 33.33%
• C. 66.67%
• D. 50%
• E. 25%

Hint:

Coin tosses are independent events; previous outcomes do not affect future probabilities.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Problem:
Three coins are tossed. The outcome of previous toss (two tails) does not affect the next toss — coins have no memory.
Each toss is independent.

Step 2: Probability Calculation:
We need probability that at least two coins show tails in the next toss.
Total outcomes = \(2^3 = 8\)
Favorable outcomes:
Exactly 2 tails: \(\binom{3}{2} = 3\) outcomes (TTH, THT, HTT)
Exactly 3 tails: 1 outcome (TTT)
Total favorable = \(3 + 1 = 4\)
Probability = \(\frac{4}{8} = 0.5 = 50\%\)