A and B take part in a duel. A can strike with an accuracy of 0.6. B can…

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A and B take part in a duel. A can strike with an accuracy of 0.6. B can strike with an accuracy of 0.8. A has the first shot, post which they strike alternately. What is the probability that A wins the duel?

  1. A.

    7/10

  2. B.

    15/23

  3. C.

    2/3

  4. D.

    11/17

Attempted by 1 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Key idea: A can win on his 1st, 3rd, 5th, … shots. Each time A and B both miss a full pair of turns (A misses then B misses), the situation resets.

  • Probability A wins on his 1st shot = 0.6

  • Probability A wins on his 3rd shot = (A misses)×(B misses)×(A hits) = 0.4×0.2×0.6 = 0.08×0.6

  • In general, probability A wins on his (2k+1)-th shot = (0.08)^k × 0.6, where 0.08 = 0.4×0.2

Sum these probabilities to get the total probability A wins:

Total = 0.6 × (1 + 0.08 + 0.08^2 + …) = 0.6 × 1/(1−0.08) = 0.6/0.92 = 15/23 ≈ 0.6522

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