Question

under the best conditions, a sprout has a 40% probability of blooming.
if two sprouts are selected at random, what is the probability that both will bloom, under the best conditions?
16 percent
24 percent
40 percent
80 percent

Explanation:

Identify the probability of a single event

Using the Independent Events knowledge point

$$ P(\text{Bloom}) = 40\% = 0.40 $$

Apply the multiplication rule for independent events

Using the Probability Multiplication Rule knowledge point

$$ P(\text{Both Bloom}) = P(\text{Bloom}) \times P(\text{Bloom}) = 0.40 \times 0.40 = 0.16 $$

Convert the decimal back to a percentage

Using the Probability Multiplication Rule knowledge point

$$ 0.16 \times 100\% = 16\% $$

Answer:

• (A) 16 percent (Correct answer)
• (B) 24 percent
• (C) 40 percent
• (D) 80 percent