Hi there,
I was always confused with combinations etc but in most cases I was able to find my way out. But this one is really annoying me:
Lotto game, possible numbers 1,2,...,49.
You play with 6 numbers.
What is the probability of actually getting all 6 correct?
Easy one, since the order does not matter (and no number can be picked twice) you find all possible combinations (=13983816) and the answer is 1/13983816.
Now how can you calculate the probability of getting 5 numbers correct.
I guess that finding all the combinations of 5 numers (let "a") and then claim that the answer is 1/a is not correct since you played with 6 numbers. That would only be correct if you played with 5 numbers.
Any help??
Thanx in advance for any answers!!!
I was always confused with combinations etc but in most cases I was able to find my way out. But this one is really annoying me:
Lotto game, possible numbers 1,2,...,49.
You play with 6 numbers.
What is the probability of actually getting all 6 correct?
Easy one, since the order does not matter (and no number can be picked twice) you find all possible combinations (=13983816) and the answer is 1/13983816.
Now how can you calculate the probability of getting 5 numbers correct.
I guess that finding all the combinations of 5 numers (let "a") and then claim that the answer is 1/a is not correct since you played with 6 numbers. That would only be correct if you played with 5 numbers.
Any help??
Thanx in advance for any answers!!!