Questions: Charles is playing a game involving two coloured lights. In each turn, one, both or neither of the lights flash. Charles moves forwards, backwards or doesn't move, depending on which of the lights flash, as shown in the table below.
The probability that the green light flashes is 0.5
The probability that the pink light flashes is 0.4
The probability that neither light flashes is 0.2
How far away from his starting position would you expect Charles to be after 100 turns? Give your answer in metres (m).
Light that flashes Distance moved
Only green 2 m forwards
Only pink 3 m forwards
Both 1 m backwards
Neither None
Transcript text: Charles is playing a game involving two coloured lights. In each turn, one, both or neither of the lights flash. Charles moves forwards, backwards or doesn't move, depending on which of the lights flash, as shown in the table below.
The probability that the green light flashes is 0.5
The probability that the pink light flashes is 0.4
The probability that neither light flashes is 0.2
How far away from his starting position would you expect Charles to be after 100 turns? Give your answer in metres (m).
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline Light that flashes & Distance moved \\
\hline Only green & 2 m forwards \\
\hline Only pink & 3 m forwards \\
\hline Both & 1 m backwards \\
\hline Neither & None \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Calculate the Mean Distance Moved per Turn
The expected distance moved per turn can be calculated using the formula: