Calculating the Probability of Choosing a Blue Jelly Bean

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 73 views

Introduction

Probability is a fundamental concept in mathematics that helps us understand the likelihood of events occurring. In this article, we will explore the concept of probability using a jelly bean machine as an example. We will calculate the probability of choosing a blue jelly bean from a machine containing different colored jelly beans.

The Jelly Bean Machine

Let's assume we have a jelly bean machine that contains 16 pink jelly beans, 34 blue jelly beans, 24 black jelly beans, and 26 purple jelly beans. The total number of jelly beans in the machine is:

16 (pink) + 34 (blue) + 24 (black) + 26 (purple) = 100 jelly beans

What is Probability?

Probability is a measure of the likelihood of an event occurring. It is usually expressed as a fraction or decimal between 0 and 1, where 0 represents an impossible event and 1 represents a certain event.

Calculating the Probability of Choosing a Blue Jelly Bean

To calculate the probability of choosing a blue jelly bean, we need to divide the number of blue jelly beans by the total number of jelly beans in the machine.

Number of blue jelly beans = 34 Total number of jelly beans = 100

Probability of choosing a blue jelly bean = Number of blue jelly beans / Total number of jelly beans = 34 / 100 = 0.34

Simplifying the Fraction

We can simplify the fraction 34/100 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.

Probability of choosing a blue jelly bean = 34 / 100 = 17 / 50

Conclusion

In conclusion, the probability of choosing a blue jelly bean from a jelly bean machine containing 16 pink jelly beans, 34 blue jelly beans, 24 black jelly beans, and 26 purple jelly beans is 17/50.

Comparison with Given Options

The given options are A. $\frac{13}{50}$ and B. $\frac{4}{25}$ . We can compare our calculated probability with these options.

Probability of choosing a blue jelly bean = 17/50 Option A = 13/50 Option B = 4/25

Our calculated probability is 17/50, which is different from both options A and B.

Why is the Calculated Probability Different from the Given Options?

The calculated probability of 17/50 is different from the given options because the options are incorrect. The correct probability of choosing a blue jelly bean from a jelly bean machine containing 16 pink jelly beans, 34 blue jelly beans, 24 black jelly beans, and 26 purple jelly beans is indeed 17/50.

Real-World Applications of Probability

Probability has many real-world applications, including:

Insurance: Probability is used to calculate the likelihood of an event occurring, such as a car accident or a natural disaster.
Finance: Probability is used to calculate the likelihood of a stock price increasing or decreasing.
Medicine: Probability is used to calculate the likelihood of a patient responding to a treatment.
Engineering: Probability is used to calculate the likelihood of a system failing or functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of probability using a jelly bean machine as an example. We calculated the probability of choosing a blue jelly bean from a machine containing different colored jelly beans. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about probability and the jelly bean machine.

Q: What is the total number of jelly beans in the machine?

A: The total number of jelly beans in the machine is 100. This includes 16 pink jelly beans, 34 blue jelly beans, 24 black jelly beans, and 26 purple jelly beans.

Q: How do you calculate the probability of choosing a blue jelly bean?

A: To calculate the probability of choosing a blue jelly bean, you need to divide the number of blue jelly beans by the total number of jelly beans in the machine.

Number of blue jelly beans = 34 Total number of jelly beans = 100

Probability of choosing a blue jelly bean = Number of blue jelly beans / Total number of jelly beans = 34 / 100 = 0.34

Q: Can you simplify the fraction 34/100?

A: Yes, we can simplify the fraction 34/100 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.

Probability of choosing a blue jelly bean = 34 / 100 = 17 / 50

Q: What is the probability of choosing a pink jelly bean?

A: To calculate the probability of choosing a pink jelly bean, you need to divide the number of pink jelly beans by the total number of jelly beans in the machine.

Number of pink jelly beans = 16 Total number of jelly beans = 100

Probability of choosing a pink jelly bean = Number of pink jelly beans / Total number of jelly beans = 16 / 100 = 0.16

Q: Can you simplify the fraction 16/100?

A: Yes, we can simplify the fraction 16/100 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 4.

Probability of choosing a pink jelly bean = 16 / 100 = 4 / 25

Q: What is the probability of choosing a black jelly bean?

A: To calculate the probability of choosing a black jelly bean, you need to divide the number of black jelly beans by the total number of jelly beans in the machine.

Number of black jelly beans = 24 Total number of jelly beans = 100

Probability of choosing a black jelly bean = Number of black jelly beans / Total number of jelly beans = 24 / 100 = 0.24

Q: Can you simplify the fraction 24/100?

A: Yes, we can simplify the fraction 24/100 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 4.

Probability of choosing a black jelly bean = 24 / 100 = 6 / 25

Q: What is the probability of choosing a purple jelly bean?

A: To calculate the probability of choosing a purple jelly bean, you need to divide the number of purple jelly beans by the total number of jelly beans in the machine.

Number of purple jelly beans = 26 Total number of jelly beans = 100

Probability of choosing a purple jelly bean = Number of purple jelly beans / Total number of jelly beans = 26 / 100 = 0.26

Q: Can you simplify the fraction 26/100?

A: Yes, we can simplify the fraction 26/100 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.

Probability of choosing a purple jelly bean = 26 / 100 = 13 / 50

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have answered some frequently asked questions about probability and the jelly bean machine. We have calculated the probability of choosing different colored jelly beans and simplified the fractions to make them easier to understand. Probability is a fundamental concept in mathematics that helps us understand the likelihood of events occurring.