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Home > CCG > Chapter 3 > Lesson 3.2.1 > Problem 3-56

3-56.

When you list all of the possible outcomes in a sample space by following an organized system (an orderly process), it is called a systematic list. There are different strategies that may help you make a systematic list, but what is most important is that you methodically follow your system until it is complete.  

To get home, Renae can take one of four buses: , or . Once she is on a bus, she will randomly select one of the following equally likely activities: listening to her MP3 player, writing a letter, or reading a book.

  1. Create the sample space of all the possible ways Renae can get home and do one activity by making a systematic list.

    Write the possibilities in an organized way so that you don't skip any.

    Bus  MP3 Player
    Bus  Letter
    Bus  Book

  2. Use your sample space to find the following probabilities:

    Find the numerator by counting from your systematic list.

    1. P(Renae takes an odd-numbered bus)

    2. P(Renae does not write a letter)

    3. P(Renae catches the # bus and then reads a book)

  3. Does her activity depend on which bus she takes? Explain why or why not.

    Look at your list. Do the possible activities change depending on which bus she takes.