Question

select the correct answer.
the top shelf of a bookcase holds 6 fiction and 4 nonfiction books. on the bottom shelf are 3 fiction and 5 nonfiction books.
choosing which 2 books describes a pair of dependent events?
a. one of the fiction books on the top shelf, and then one of the nonfiction books on the bottom shelf
b. one of the fiction books on the top shelf, and then one of the nonfiction books on the top shelf
c. one of the fiction books on the top shelf, and then a second fiction book from the bottom shelf
d. one of the nonfiction books on the bottom shelf, and a second nonfiction book from the bottom shelf

Explanation:

Step1: Understand dependent events

Dependent events: The outcome of the first event affects the outcome of the second event.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: Choosing one fiction book on the top - shelf and then one non - fiction book on the bottom - shelf. The first choice (top - shelf book) does not affect the number of non - fiction books on the bottom - shelf.
• Option B: Choosing one fiction book on the top - shelf and then one non - fiction book on the top - shelf. The first choice (a fiction book from the top - shelf) reduces the total number of books on the top - shelf for the second choice. So, these are dependent events.
• Option C: Choosing one fiction book on the top - shelf and then a second fiction book from the bottom - shelf. The first choice (top - shelf book) does not affect the number of fiction books on the bottom - shelf.
• Option D: Choosing one non - fiction book on the bottom - shelf and a second non - fiction book from the bottom - shelf. But we are only choosing 2 books in total as per the problem (the question is about choosing 2 books). This option is not in line with the problem's requirement of choosing 2 books (it seems to be a mis - interpretation of the problem setup).

Answer:

B. one of the fiction books on the top shelf, and then one of the nonfiction books on the top shelf