Grade

10

MATHEMATICS
QUARTER 3 – MODULE 7
MELC 9 & 10

Probability of
Compound Events
PART I.
MELC 9: Illustrates mutually exclusive events

A. Introduction and Discussion

After going through this lesson, you are expected to:
a) illustrate mutually exclusive events; and
B) solve problems involving mutually exclusive events.

Experiment is a process that can generate result. Let us take a look in the given
example below.

𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡: rolling a fair die

If you roll a fair die, the possible outcomes will be {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}. The sample space or
the total possible results of the given experiment is 6.

Consider the following events below.

𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴: getting an even number and 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐵: getting an odd number

In event A, getting an even number means we have {2, 4, 6} as the outcomes while in
event 𝐵, getting an odd number refers to the outcomes {1, 3, 5}.

Compare the elements of Set 𝐴 to the elements of Set 𝐵. As you can see, they both
contain three elements but they do not have the same outcomes. Events 𝐴 and 𝐵 are
examples of mutually exclusive.

Mutually Exclusive Events

𝐴 and 𝐵 are mutually exclusive events if 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = ∅

Based from the illustration above, two events are said to be mutually exclusive if they
cannot occur at the same time. This means that they do not share the same outcome/s. They
are also called disjoint events.

Let us use a Venn diagram to further understand this lesson:

:Figure 1 Figure 2
A B A B
5 2
2 3
6 1 3 9
4 8 4
5

In figure 1, we have two sets 𝐴 and 𝐵 having three elements each but they do not
share the same elements so this is an example of mutually exclusive events.
1
 In figure 2, the elements of 𝐴 are 3, 5, and 8 while the elements of 𝐵 are 2, 3, 4, and
9. As shown in the figure, there is a common element between the two sets which is 3. Since
there is an intersection between them, then this is not considered as mutually exclusive sets/
events.

Probability of Mutually Exclusive Events

If 𝑨 and 𝑩 are mutually exclusive events, then

𝑷 (𝑨 𝒐𝒓 𝑩) = 𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩) = 𝑷 (𝑨) + 𝑷(𝑩) and

𝑷(𝑨 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩) = 𝑷(𝑨 ∩ 𝑩) = 𝟎

B. Illustrative Examples

EXAMPLE 1
In rolling a fair die, we have the following events:
𝐴 = {1, 2}
𝐵 = {4, 6}
𝐶 = {1, 3, 5}
𝐷 = {3, 4, 6}
Which are considered as mutually exclusive events?

Solution:

The following are mutually exclusive events because they do not have the same
elements or common outcome.
• 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵
• 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷
• 𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶

EXAMPLE 2
In a standard deck of cards, what is the probability of getting an ace or a face card?

Solution:

Out of 52 cards of a standard deck of cards, there are 4 ace cards (ace of diamond,
ace of heart, ace of spade, and ace of club) and 12 face cards (jack, queen and king of each
suit).

4 12
𝑃(𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑) = 52 and 𝑃(𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑) = 52

Since there is no common element between the two sets, then we simply add their
probabilities.

𝑃(𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒) = 𝑃(𝑎𝑐𝑒) + 𝑃(𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒)

2
 4 12 16 4
𝑃(𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒) = 52 + 52 = 52 or
13

4
Thus, the 𝑃(𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒) = 13.

EXAMPLE 3
A bag contains 9 white balls, 5 orange balls and 6 red balls. If a ball is drawn, find the
probability that it is a white or a red ball?

Solution:

Since the ball cannot be both white or red, the events are mutually exclusive.
9 6
𝑃(𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙) = 20 ; 𝑃(𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙) = 20

Get the sum of their probabilities,

9 6 15 3
𝑃(𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑑) = + = or
20 20 20 4

3
Thus, 𝑃(𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑑) = .
4

EXAMPLE 4
Mrs. Lazaro, a Mathematics teacher, prepared 37 small pieces of paper and labeled
them from 1 – 37. These numbers correspond to her students. What is the probability of
getting an odd number or an even number?

Solution:

Get the probability of each event,

19 18
𝑃(𝑜𝑑𝑑 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟) = ; 𝑃(𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟) =
37 37

Then add their probabilities

19 18 37
𝑃(𝑜𝑑𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛) = 37 + 37 = 37 𝑜𝑟 1

As you can see, the sum of their probabilities is equal to 1. This is only possible if the events
are complementary.

Remember:
All complementary events are mutually exclusive but NOT all
mutually exclusive events are complementary.

3
MELC 10: Solves problems involving probability

A. Introduction and Discussion

In the previous modules, you have learned about the probability of the compound
events, and even the independent and dependent events. After going through this lesson, you
will be able to solve more problems involving probabilities.

B. Illustrative Examples

EXAMPLE 1
What is the probability of getting at most a sum of 4 if you throw a pair of dice?

Solution:

When you say at most a sum of 4, you are looking for the sum of 2, sum of 3 or sum of 4.

Sum of 2 (1,1) (2,1) (3,1) (4,1) (5,1) (6,1)

Sum of 3 (1,2) (2,2) (3,2) (4,2) (5,2) (6,2)
(1,3) (2,3) (3,3) (4,3) (5,3) (6,3)
Sum of 4
(1,4) (2,4) (3,4) (4,4) (5,4) (6,4)
(1,5) (2,5) (3,5) (4,5) (5,5) (6,5)
(1,6) (2,6) (3,6) (4,6) (5,6) (6,6)
Get the probabilities of each event.
1 2 3
𝑃(𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 2) = or 𝑃(𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 3) = or 𝑃(𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 4) =
36 36 36

To get the probability of getting at most a sum of 4,

1 2 3 6 1
𝑃(𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 4) = + + = 𝑜𝑟
36 36 36 36 6
1
Thus, 𝑃(𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 4) = 6.

EXAMPLE 2
A bowl contains 15 chips numbered 1 to 15. If a chip is drawn randomly from the bowl,
what is the probability that it is odd or divisible by 3?

Solution:

Get the probability of each event,

8 5
𝑃(𝑜𝑑𝑑) = 15 ; 𝑃(𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑦 3) = 15

Since there are numbers divisible by 3 and odd numbers, then they are not mutually exclusive
events. So,
8 5 3 10 2
𝑃(𝑜𝑑𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑦 3) = 15 + 15 − 15 = 15 𝑜𝑟 3.
4
 EXAMPLE 3
SB19 is a male idol group in the Philippines while Blackpink is a female idol group in Korea.
One member from each group will be chosen at random to perform on one stage. Box A
contains the names of the 5 members of SB19 namely Stell, Ken, Sejun, Josh, and Justin
and box B contains the names of the 4 members of Blackpink namely Jennie, Rose, Lisa
and Jisoo. What is the probability that the names drawn will be Ken and Lisa?

Solution:

𝑃(𝐾𝑒𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐿𝑖𝑠𝑎) = 𝑃(𝐾𝑒𝑛) ∙ 𝑃(𝐿𝑖𝑠𝑎)

In box A, the probability of choosing Ken is

1
𝑃(𝐾𝑒𝑛) = 5

In box B, the probability of drawing the name of Lisa is

1
𝑃(𝐿𝑖𝑠𝑎) = 4

Then we multiply,
1 1 1
𝑃(𝐾𝑒𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐿𝑖𝑠𝑎) = ∙ =
5 4 20

1
Thus, the probability that the names Ken and Lisa will be drawn is 𝑜𝑟 5%.
20

EXAMPLE 4
Two different letters are chosen at random from the word PHIXO. What is the probability
that they are both consonants?

Solution:

The event of this example is choosing two different letters and they must be consonants. Since
there are 3 consonants from the word PHIXO but we only need 2, then the combination will
be

3!
3C2 = (3−2)!2! = 3 So, there are 3 possible combinations for this event.

Since we are looking for the probability, we need to solve for the sample space or the total
possible outcomes. There are 5 letters in all from the word PHIXO but 2 letters are needed.

5!
5C2 = (5−2)!2! = 10 There are 10 possible combinations for the sample space.

To get the probability,

𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡 3
𝑃(𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠) = 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒 = 10
Solution:
EXAMPLE 5
Six students, including Star and Jake, are arranged randomly in a row for a group picture.
Find the probability that Star and Jake stands next to each other.

5
First, find the number of arrangement where Star and Jake stands next to each other.

5! 2! = 120 ( 2) = 240

In this case, Star and Jake will be grouped as one so instead of arranging six students we will
only consider 5 and 2! is the arrangement of Star and Jake.

Next, get the number of ways in arranging the six students. This will be the sample space.

6! = 720
240 1
So, the probability that Star and Jake stands next to each other will be 720 or 3.

Part II. Activities

Activity 1.

Directions: Determine whether each pair of events illustrate mutually exclusive. Put a check
(✓) on the appropriate column.

Mutually Exclusive Non-Mutually

Pair of Events
Events Exclusive Events
1. Event 𝐴: {1,2,4,7}
Event 𝐵: {3, 9}
2. Event 𝑀: {𝑎, 𝑒, 𝑖, 𝑜, 𝑢}
Event 𝑁: {𝑎, 𝑏. 𝑐. 𝑑. 𝑒, 𝑓, 𝑔, ℎ}
3. Event 𝐶: {13, 17, 18, 21}
Event 𝐷: {10, 15, 20,25,30, 35}
4. Event 𝑆: {𝑗, 𝑎, 𝑠, 𝑜, 𝑛}
Event 𝑇: {𝑚, 𝑡, 𝑤, 𝑡ℎ, 𝑓}
5. Event
𝑄: {1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81,100}
Event 𝑅: {1, 8, 27,64,125,216,343}

Activity 2.

Directions: Classify whether each pair of events is a mutually exclusive or non-mutually

exclusive events.

A. prime numbers and composite numbers

B. natural numbers and negative integers
C. counting numbers and whole numbers
D. multiples of 3 and multiples of 4
E. English Alphabet and perfect square numbers

Mutually Exclusive Events Non-Mutually Exclusive Events

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Activity 3.

Direction: Answer the following questions. Show your solutions at the back of your paper.

1. If 𝑃(𝐴) = 0.24 and 𝑃(𝐵) = 0.51, what is 𝑃(𝐴 𝑜𝑟 𝐵)?

2. If 𝑃(𝑆) = 0.57 and 𝑃(𝑅) = 0.11, what is 𝑃(𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑇)?
3. If 𝑃(𝐶 𝑜𝑟 𝐷) = 0.64 and 𝑃(𝐶) = 0.26, what is 𝑃(𝐷)?
4. If 𝑃(𝑋) = 0.13, 𝑃(𝑌) = 0.8, and 𝑋 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑌 are mutually exclusive events, what is 𝑃(𝑋 ∩ 𝑌)?
1
5. The probability of the getting a red card in an ordinary deck of 52 cards is 2 and the probability of
1
getting a spade is 4, what is the probability of getting a red card or a spade?

Activity 4.

Solve the following problems. Write your solution at the back of your paper.

1. The probability that Kai will fail his Mathematics test is 0.24. What is the probability that he
will pass his Mathematics test?
2. In rolling two dice. What is the probability of getting a sum less than 6 or a double number?
3. A card is pulled in a deck of 52 cards and noted. The card is then replaced, the deck is
shuffled, and a second card is pulled and noted. What is the probability that both cards are
aces?
4. A pair of dice is rolled. What is the probability that the sum is five, six, or seven?
5. If the letters of the word VILLASIS are rearranged, what is the probability that it starts with
letter A?

Answer Key:

5. 8 - C and D
1
4. 12 2. Non - Mutually Exclusive Events
5
3. 169
1
2. 18 - A, B, and E
7
1. 0.76 1. Mutually Exclusive Events

Activity 4. Activity 2.

5. 4 5. Non-Mutually Exclusive Events

3
4. 0 4. Mutually Exclusive Events
3. 0.38 3. Mutually Exclusive Events
2. 0.68 2. Non-Mutually Exclusive Events
1. 0.75 1. Mutually Exclusive Events

Activity 3. Activity 1.

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Part III. Assessment

Directions: Select the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following describes mutually exclusive events?

A. Two events sharing one or more outcomes.
B. Two events with no common outcomes.
C. Events that can occur at the same time.
D. Events that are related to each other.
2. Which of the following pair of sets illustrates mutually exclusive?
A. Real numbers and rational numbers C. Odd and even numbers
B. Integers and real numbers D. Counting numbers and even numbers
3. The set of counting numbers and the set of ____________ are mutually exclusive sets.
A. Real numbers C. positive integers
B. whole numbers D. negative integers
4. If two events are mutually exclusive events, then their intersection is ______.
A. 0 B. {0} C. ∅ D. {∅}
5. Events 𝐶 and 𝐷 are mutually exclusive events. Which of the following is true?
A. 𝑃(𝐶 ∪ 𝐷) = 𝑃(𝐶) + 𝑃(𝐷) C. 𝑃(𝐶 ∪ 𝐷) = 0
B. 𝑃(𝐶 ∪ 𝐷) = 𝑃(𝐶) + 𝑃(𝐷) − 𝑃(𝐶 ∩ 𝐷) D. 𝑃(𝐶 ∩ 𝐷) = 1
3 1
6. The probability of drawing a red ball is . The probability of drawing a white ball is . What
10 5
is the probability of drawing red ball or a white ball?
1 2 3 3
A. B. C. D.
2 3 10 50

7. A set of cards includes 10 green cards, 15 blue cards, and 20 yellow cards. What is the
probability that the card chosen at random will be green or blue?
1 2 2 5
A. 3 B. 3 C. 9 D. 9

8. Lisa roll a fair of die. What is the probability that the number appear will be 4 or a prime
number?
1 2 1 5
A. 2 B. 3 C. 6 D. 6

9. The events 𝑆 and 𝑇 are mutually exclusive. If 𝑃(𝑆) = 0.36 and 𝑃(𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑇) = 0.57, what is
𝑃(𝑇)?
A. 0.93 B. 0.83 C. 0.21 D. 0.11
10. What is the probability of getting at most 3 heads in a single toss of 3 coins?
1 1 3
A. 2 B. 8 C. 8 D. 1

11.Two cards are drawn at random from a standard deck of cards, without replacement.
What is the probability of drawing a 7 and a king in that order?

4 4 4 4
A. B. C. D.
51 52 256 663

8
12. In a drop box, 100 balls are numbered 1 to 100. If a ball is randomly picked from the box,
what is the probability that it is divisible by 5 or by 3?
43 45 47 50
A. 100 b. 100 C. 100 D. 100

13. A machine generates a two-digit number randomly. What is the probability that the
number generated from 45 to 62?
17 1 17 9
A. 90
B. 5 C. 89 D. 10

14. In a group of 25 people, 16 of them are married and 9 are single. What is the probability
that if two people are randomly selected from the group they are both married?
2 48 16 9
A. 5 B. 125 C. 25 D. 25

15. The letters E. F, G, H, I, and J are placed at random in a row. Find the probability that
word starts with E and ends with H.
A. 720 C. 120 C. 24 D. 6

References:

Callanta, et. al. Mathematics 10 Learners Module. Quezon City. Rex Bookstore

Orance, O and Mendoza, M. Advance Algebra and Trigonometry