Question

Seventeen people has been exposed to a particular disease. Each one independently has a 40% chance of contracting the disease. A hospital has the capacity to handle 10 cases of the disease. What is the probability that the hospital's capacity will be exceeded?
a- .011
b- .736
c- .965
d- .989
e- .035

Answer 1

Use the binomial probability function:

P(x) = (nCx)(p^x)[q^(n-x)]

n = 17
x = 11 through 17
p = 0.4
q = 1 - p = 0.6

Find P(11) through P(17). Add together for your probability.

Note:
You can also use a binomial probability function table with the values listed to find the probability as well. It is an easier way of doing this problem.

Hint:
Answer should be .035 (rounded)

I hope this will help get you started.

Answer 2

.035