5 White Socks and 3 Black socks are in a drawer. I take out two socks. What is the probability the socks are the same colour?

Problem Tackles: Counting Probabilities, Non-replacement probability problems. Keeping track of events
Total number of socks: 5 + 3 = 8Scenarios: Could pick two white socks or two black socksP(Picking two white Socks) = 5/8 * 4/7 = 20/56 . (Number of socks after first pick is 7, number of white socks left is 4)P (Picking two Black socks) = 3/8 *2/7 = 6/56 (same idea as above)P(picking two socks of same colour) = P(Picking two white socks) + P(Picking two black socks) = 6/56 + 20/56 = 26/56

BS
Answered by Bonnor S. Maths tutor

6850 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following equation for x: x^2 - 4x - 17 = 4


work out: ( 4 × 10^3 )^2 + 3.5 × 10^7 and give your answer in standard form.


The equation of the line L1 is y = 3x – 2. The equation of the line L2 is 3y – 9x + 5 = 0. Show that these two lines are parallel.


How do I solve a quadratic equation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning