A and B throw a die alternatively till one of them gets 3 or 6 and wins the game. If B starts the game, then the probability of winning the game by A is
A and B throw a die alternatively till one of them gets 3 or 6 and wins the game. If B starts the game, then the probability of winning the game by A is
Solution
The game continues until someone rolls a 3 or 6. B throws first, then they alternate.
On any single throw:
Probability of winning (rolling 3 or 6) =
Probability of not winning (rolling 1, 2, 4, or 5) =
Since B goes first, for A to win, B must fail first. A can win in the following ways:
Round 1: B fails, then A wins
Round 2: B fails, A fails, B fails, then A wins
Round 3: B fails, A fails, B fails, A fails, B fails, then A wins
This pattern continues indefinitely.
The series in brackets is a geometric series with first term and common ratio
Sum
Sum
Sum
Sum
Therefore, the probability of A winning the game is .
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