If two fair coins are flipped, what is the probability that at least one shows heads?

Prepare for the AMSOC 26-003 Module A Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

If two fair coins are flipped, what is the probability that at least one shows heads?

Explanation:
When two fair coins are flipped, there are four equally likely results: both heads, head then tail, tail then head, and both tails. “At least one head” includes all outcomes except the only all-tail result, so three of the four outcomes satisfy the condition. That gives a probability of 3/4. You can also see this by the complement: 1 minus the chance of no heads (both tails) is 1 - 1/4 = 3/4. The other numbers don’t fit because they don’t match the correct count of favorable outcomes out of four.

When two fair coins are flipped, there are four equally likely results: both heads, head then tail, tail then head, and both tails. “At least one head” includes all outcomes except the only all-tail result, so three of the four outcomes satisfy the condition. That gives a probability of 3/4. You can also see this by the complement: 1 minus the chance of no heads (both tails) is 1 - 1/4 = 3/4. The other numbers don’t fit because they don’t match the correct count of favorable outcomes out of four.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy