Asked by rama

A bag got mix up 6 pairs of shoes – 2 red, 2 blue, and 2 purple. Picking randomly, how many shoes must I pick before for sure that there is one matching pair in red or blue?

Ms Sue answered 4. Request for explanation please.
Answered by Ms. Sue
With 3 picks she could have gotten 1 red, 1 blue, and 1 purple shoe. On the 4th pick, she has to pick one of the colors she already had. Therefore, it will take 4 draws before she'd be sure she had a pair.

Answered by Ms. Sue
I just read it again -- to see that you must have a matching pair in red or blue.

You'll need 5 picks instead of 4.

Answered by rama
Sue,
there are possibilities beyond what you may have quoted...did i misunderstand here?
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