I toss a fair coin until I get two head in a row. What is the probability that I toss the coin 5 times in total?

In order to satisfy the condition, must have the 4th toss and 5th toss both being heads. Note that the 3rd toss must be tails as otherwise we would terminate the coin tosses prematurely. This leaves the first two tosses being anything it likes apart from two heads. In total, since probability of the nth toss is independent of other tosses, must have the answer to be 3/4 x (1/2)^3 = 3/16.

JX
Answered by James X. Maths tutor

2629 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the definition of the slope?


How do I solve simultaneous equations graphically? e.g (1) 4x - 3y = 11 (2) 3x + 2y = 4


x^2 - y = 14, y - 2 = 6x, solve these equations simultaneously


Simplify the following: 2(3-2x) - 3(x+1)


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning