Have you ever wondered why so many equations are written with the variables $x$ and $y$? Suppose you are reaching into a bag that contains all the letters of the English alphabet, and you pull out one letter at random to use as a variable in equations.

1. What is the probability that you pull out an $x$?

   Hint (a):

   $P(\text{‘x'}) = \frac{1}{\text{number of letters in the alphabet}}$

2. If you got the $x$, now what is the probability that you pull out a $y$?

   Hint (b):

   After you take out $x$, how many letters are left in the alphabet?