Probability of drawing no aces with replacement of cards?

$\begingroup$

If you choose n cards with replacement (randomly choose a card, note what it is in a list, replace it in the deck, and repeat), then what is the probability that the list of cards contains no aces?

I know that without replacement, the probability would be

Choose(48, n)/Choose (52, n)

I'm not sure what to do when there's replacement. Any help?

$\endgroup$ 1

1 Answer

$\begingroup$

The probability that the first card is not an ace is $P(A_1) = 48/52$. The probability that the second card is not an ace is $P(A_2) = 48/52$, and since this is an independent event to the first draw (thanks to drawing with replacement), the probability that neither card is an ace is $P(A_1\ and\ A_2) = P(A_1)P(A_2) = (48/52)^2$.

More generally, the probability that no card in $n$ draws is an ace is $P(A_1\ and\ A_2\ and\ A_3\ and \ldots\ and\ A_n) = (48/52)^n$.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Sign up using Google Sign up using Facebook Sign up using Email and Password

Post as a guest

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

You Might Also Like