Question

when a softball player gets a hit, it can be a single, double, triple, or home run. when josephine is at bat, the probability that she hits a single is 15 percent and the probability that she hits a double is 5 percent. what is the probability that josephine hits a single or a double when she is at bat? 3 percent 10 percent 20 percent 75 percent

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the events

The events of hitting a single (let's call its probability \( P(S) \)) and hitting a double (probability \( P(D) \)) are mutually exclusive (a player can't hit a single and a double at the same time).

Step2: Use the formula for the probability of the union of mutually exclusive events

The formula for \( P(S \cup D) \) (probability of hitting a single or a double) when events are mutually exclusive is \( P(S) + P(D) \).
We know \( P(S) = 15\% = 0.15 \) and \( P(D) = 5\% = 0.05 \).
So, \( P(S \cup D)=0.15 + 0.05 = 0.20 \) or \( 20\% \).

Answer:

20 percent (corresponding to the option with "20 percent")