Question

Three soldiers (named A, B, and C) have to decide between themselves, which one goes on a dangerous mission. They decide to take turns drawing straws; there are 4 long straws and 1 short straw. Whoever picks the short straw must go on the mission. They will take turns drawing straws in the following sequence ABCCB ABCCB ABCCB etc.. For each soldier (A, B, and C), what is the probability that they end up drawing the short straw?

a) Suppose they draw straws without replacement. Note: This means after a straw is drawn it is not available for the next pick. Note: In this scenario they will determine who goes on the mission after the first 5 draws.

b) Suppose they draw straws with replacement. Note: This means after a straw is drawn it is replaced and available for the next pick. Note: In this scenario, draws continue indefinitely according to the drawing order described above until someone eventually picks the short straw.

Answer 1