finding probability both were born in month of May

[resqswmr2]

If two people were selected at random, what is the probability that they were both born in may?

I said it's 1/6 because I put 2 over 12 and then just lowered it, or should I have taken 1/12 times 1/12 and went that route. Thanks for the help.

 

[Mrspi]

Re: finding probability

If two people were selected at random, what is the probability that they were both born in may?

I said it's 1/6 because I put 2 over 12 and then just lowered it, or should I have taken 1/12 times 1/12 and went that route. Thanks for the help.

If you pick ONE person, the probability that person is born in May is 1/12.

Now, if you pick a SECOND person, that's an "independent event," since when the first person was born does not affect when the second person was born. The probability that the second person was born in May is also 1/12.

If A and B are independent events, then P(A and B) = P(A) * P(B)

So, P(first person born in May AND second person born in May) = (1/12)*(1/12)