Question

assume that jim, bruce, and valerie are three of the 18 members of the class, and that three of the class members will be chosen randomly to deliver their reports during the next class meeting. what is the probability that jim, bruce, and valerie are selected in that order? the probability that jim, bruce, and valerie are selected in that order is (type an integer or decimal rounded to six decimal places as needed.)

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate first - person probability

The probability that Jim is chosen first out of 18 members is $\frac{1}{18}$.

Step2: Calculate second - person probability

After Jim is chosen, there are 17 members left. The probability that Bruce is chosen second is $\frac{1}{17}$.

Step3: Calculate third - person probability

After Jim and Bruce are chosen, there are 16 members left. The probability that Valerie is chosen third is $\frac{1}{16}$.

Step4: Calculate combined probability

By the multiplication rule of independent events, the probability that Jim, Bruce, and Valerie are selected in that order is $\frac{1}{18}\times\frac{1}{17}\times\frac{1}{16}=\frac{1}{4896}\approx0.000204$.

Answer:

0.000204