Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences · Problem 16.3.21

FUNCTIONS OF A COMPLEX VARIABLE — Mary Boas

Mathematics — Methods · probability-theorems-coins-game

Problem

Two people are taking turns tossing a pair of coins; the first person to toss two alike wins. What are the probabilities of winning for the first player and for the second player? Hint: Although there are an infinite number of possibilities here (win on first turn, second turn, third turn, etc.), the sum of the probabilities is a geometric series which can be summed; see Chapter 1 if necessary.

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