While shuffling a pack of 52 playing cards, 2 are accidentally dropped. Find the probability that the missing cards to be of different colours
A. $\frac{29}{52}$
B. $\frac{1}{2}$
C. $\frac{26}{51}$
D. $\frac{27}{51}$
C. 26/51
Explanation:
We know that, in a pack of 52 cards 26 are of red colour and 26 are of black colour.
It is given that 2 cards are accidentally dropped
So,
Probability of dropping a red card first $=\frac{26}{52}$
Probability of dropping a red card second $=\frac{26}{51}$
Similarly,
Probability of dropping a black card first $=\frac{26}{52}$
Probability of dropping a black card second $=\frac{26}{51}$
$\therefore P$ (both cards of different colour) $=\frac{26}{-2} \times \frac{26}{-1}+\frac{26}{-2} \times \frac{26}{-1}$
$=2 \times \frac{26}{52} \times \frac{26}{51}$
$=\frac{26}{51}$
Hence, the correct option is (C).
$\therefore P$ (both cards of different colour) $=\frac{26}{52} \times \frac{26}{51}+\frac{26}{52} \times \frac{26}{51}$
$=2 \times \frac{26}{52} \times \frac{26}{51}$
$=\frac{26}{51}$
Hence, the correct option is (C).