Question:

Three students \(X,Y\) and \(Z\) appear for an examination. The probability of \(X\) passing the examination is \(\frac{1}{5}\), the probability of \(Y\) passing the examination is \(\frac{1}{4}\), and the probability of \(Z\) failing the examination is \(\frac{2}{3}\). The probability that at least two of them pass the exam is

Show Hint

For “at least two” out of three events, include all cases where exactly two events occur and where all three events occur.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • \(\frac{1}{6}\)
  • \(\frac{2}{5}\)
  • \(\frac{3}{4}\)
  • \(\frac{3}{5}\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Write the given probabilities.
Probability that \(X\) passes: \[ P(X)=\frac{1}{5} \] Probability that \(Y\) passes: \[ P(Y)=\frac{1}{4} \] Probability that \(Z\) fails: \[ P(Z')=\frac{2}{3} \] Therefore, probability that \(Z\) passes is \[ P(Z)=1-\frac{2}{3} \] \[ P(Z)=\frac{1}{3} \]

Step 2: Find probabilities of failing for \(X\) and \(Y\).
\[ P(X')=1-\frac{1}{5}=\frac{4}{5} \] \[ P(Y')=1-\frac{1}{4}=\frac{3}{4} \]

Step 3: Cases for at least two students passing.
At least two passing means either exactly two pass or all three pass.
So, required probability is \[ P(XYZ')+P(XY'Z)+P(X'YZ)+P(XYZ) \]

Step 4: Calculate each case.
\[ P(XYZ')=\frac{1}{5}\cdot \frac{1}{4}\cdot \frac{2}{3} \] \[ =\frac{1}{30} \] \[ P(XY'Z)=\frac{1}{5}\cdot \frac{3}{4}\cdot \frac{1}{3} \] \[ =\frac{1}{20} \] \[ P(X'YZ)=\frac{4}{5}\cdot \frac{1}{4}\cdot \frac{1}{3} \] \[ =\frac{1}{15} \] \[ P(XYZ)=\frac{1}{5}\cdot \frac{1}{4}\cdot \frac{1}{3} \] \[ =\frac{1}{60} \]

Step 5: Add all probabilities.
\[ \frac{1}{30}+\frac{1}{20}+\frac{1}{15}+\frac{1}{60} \] Taking LCM \(60\), \[ \frac{2}{60}+\frac{3}{60}+\frac{4}{60}+\frac{1}{60} \] \[ =\frac{10}{60} \] \[ =\frac{1}{6} \]

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Therefore, \[ \boxed{\frac{1}{6}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0