Line 1.
The fact that a=a^3 is not correct, where a is a real number (except for a=1).
You should write that (-1) = ((-1)^(1/3))(3) instead.
Also with Line 3. You need to take the square root first.
New Question:
Two children play a game which involves throwing a fair die once each. A win occurs if a player throws a 4, 5 or 6 and their opponent throws a 1, 2 or 3. A draw occurs if both players throw a 1, 2 or 3 or if both players throw a 4, 5 or 6.
(i) Find the probability of either player winning a game. [1 mark]
(ii) Find the probability that after 4 games at least half have been won by either of the players. [2 marks]
(iii) Find the probability that after n games, where n is an odd integer, at least half have been won by either of the players. Give reasons for your answer. [3 marks]
Are you sure you aren't mistaking a = a^3 with a = a^2?
as I see nothing wrong with the statement that -1 = -1^3
anyway...
im not sure if this is correct but here goes...
i) P(choose 1,2,3) = 1/2
P(choosing 4,5,6) = 1/2
P(player 1 winning) = 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/4
P(player 2 winning) = 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/4
therefore P(one win) = 1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2
ii) P(atleast half) = P(2 wins 2 ties) + P(3 wins 1 tie) + P (4 wins)
= (1/2)^2 x (1/2)^2 x 4C2 + (1/2)^3 x 1/2 x 4C3 + (1/2)^4
= 11/16(im sure there's an easier method)
iii) (0.5)^n [nC(n+1)/2 + nC(n+3)/2 + nC(n+5)/2 + ... + nC2n/2]
(cant think of a method to simplify this...