Mathematics Problem Of the Week

Fall 2006

POW #2

Busted

Allan and Beth like to wager against each other. In one game, they flip a fair coin and whoever wins gets a dollar from the other person. Play continues with $1 bets on a fair coin until one of them is busted and out of money.

(a) If Allan starts with just $1 and Beth has $2, what is the chance that Allan will win the game and Beth will be busted?

(b) What if Allan starts with $3 and Beth has $2?

Be sure to clearly justify your reasoning in each case.

Due Friday, September 22^nd at Noon.

Solutions should be submitted to Dr. R. Lock's mailbox in the Math office or sent via e-mail to rlock@stlawu.edu.