A tennis match is played between two players, and . The match consists of at most three sets. Each set is won by either or , and the match is won by the first player to win two sets. The probability that wins the first set is . For each set after the first, the conditional probability that wins the set, given that won the preceding set, is 0.7. For each set after the first, the conditional probability that wins the set, given that won the preceding set, is 0.6. Construct a probability tree showing this information.
- (i)
When a match is decided by playing all three sets, the probability of winning is the same as that of winning. Show that the value of is .
- (ii)
Find the probability that wins the first set, given that wins the match.
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Worked solution
7(i)
1. Calculate the probability that player A wins the match in exactly three sets.
A match won by player in exactly 3 sets must follow one of two paths of set winners: or .
Using the conditional probabilities given in the tree structure:
2. Calculate the probability that player B wins the match in exactly three sets.
A match won by player in exactly 3 sets must follow the paths or .
3. Equate the probabilities and solve for $p$.
Since the probabilities of winning in 3 sets are equal for both players:
7(ii)
1. Calculate the probability of the sequence where $B$ wins the first set and $A$ wins the match.
For to win the match after wins the first set, the sequence of wins must be then then .
2. Calculate the overall probability that $A$ wins the match.
can win the match through three mutually exclusive sequences of set wins: , , or .
Total probability wins the match is the sum of these outcomes:
3. Use the conditional probability formula to find the required probability.
We want to find .
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