We need to talk, Ben,\" said Melissa. \"I know we have eight children, but I wan

Question

We need to talk, Ben," said Melissa. "I know we have eight children, but I want a boy! My dad is a math teacher and he said that the chances of having nine boys in a row is 1 out of 512." "Right, and the doctor said 1 out of 100 last time, too. I tell you what, write to Ann Landers or Dear Abby and see what advice the experts can give, then...."
DEAR ABBY;

My husband and I just had our eighth child. Another girl, and I am really one disappointed woman. I suppose I should thank God she was healthy, but, Abby, this one was supposed to be a boy. Even the doctor told me the law of averages was in our favor 100 to 1. What is the probability of our next child being a boy?

What is the probability that the next child for Melissa and Ben is a boy? Discuss

Explanation / Answer

The probability of next child being a boy would not depend on the proir happening or the fact that they had 8 girls as their first 8 children

The probability that their next child that is the 9th child would be a boy would be equal to the probability that it would be a girl therefore the required probability is 0.5.

There is an equal chance of having a boy or a girl as their next child.

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