Question

birth defects affect 1 in 28 babies born in a certain country each year.
a) what is the probability that a baby born in this country will have a birth defect?
b) what are the odds against a baby born in this country having a birth defect?

a) the probability is □
(simplify your answer.)

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the probability

Probability is the number of favorable outcomes over total outcomes. Here, favorable outcomes (babies with birth defect) = 1, total outcomes (total babies) = 28. So the probability \(P=\frac{1}{28}\).

Step2: Calculate the odds against

Odds against an event \(E\) is \(\frac{\text{Number of non - favorable outcomes}}{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}\). Non - favorable outcomes = \(28 - 1=27\), favorable outcomes = 1. So odds against \(=\frac{27}{1}=27:1\)

Answer:

a) \(\frac{1}{28}\)
b) \(27:1\)