Skip to main content
A-LevelMathematicsProbability and statisticsMay/June 2021Paper 5 Q47 Marks

To gain a place at a science college, students first have to pass a written test and then a practical test. Each student is allowed a maximum of two attempts at the written test. A student is only allowed a second attempt if they fail the first attempt. No student is allowed more than one attempt at the practical test. If a student fails both attempts at the written test, then they cannot attempt the practical test. The probability that a student will pass the written test at the first attempt is 0.8. If a student fails the first attempt at the written test, the probability that they will pass at the second attempt is 0.6. The probability that a student will pass the practical test is always 0.3.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is . This question tests the candidate's understanding of probability and statistics within the Mathematicssyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Answer

Sign up for free to reveal the correct answer, the official mark scheme breakdown, and the examiner trap analysis for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Mathematics Question

This structured question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Mathematics (9709) May/June 2021 examination, Paper 5 Variant 1. It tests the topic of Probability and statistics and is worth 7 marks.

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers.

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine