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.
- (a)Draw a tree diagram to represent this information, showing the probabilities on the branches.[3]
- (b)Find the probability that a randomly chosen student will succeed in gaining a place at the college.[2]
- (c)Find the probability that a randomly chosen student passes the written test at the first attempt given that the student succeeds in gaining a place at the college.[2]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [B1] Fully correct labelled tree diagram for each pair of branches clearly identifying written and practical, pass and fail for each intersection (no additional branches)
- [B1] 'One written test' branch all probabilities (or %) correct
- [B1] 'Two written tests' branch all probabilities (or %) correct, condone additional branches after W2F with probabilities 1 for PF and 0 for PP
- [M1] Consistent with their tree diagram or correct
- [A1] 0.276 or 69/250
- [M1] Correct expression or FT their (b)
- [A1] 20/23 or 0.87[0]
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