Math type question - kind of (1 Viewer)

[renesauz]

If you are first, you have a 1 in 5 chance of drawing the short straw, or 20%. That increases to 25%, then 33%, then 50% if the short straw isn't drawn, so it's probably better to go first.

You also have to figure in the increasing odds each time that the straw has already been picked, rendering the current pick 0%. The math balances. All slots weigh the same.

This. Doesn't matter one bit what order you draw in.

 

[TheIronSheik]

If you are first, you have a 1 in 5 chance of drawing the short straw, or 20%. That increases to 25%, then 33%, then 50% if the short straw isn't drawn, so it's probably better to go first.

If you go second, there's an 80% chance that the short straw is still there for the picking, and if it is, there's a 25% chance that you'll pick it. Because 80% times 25% is 20%, the second person has the same odds as the first person.

And so on with the third, fourth, and fifth.

OK. This makes sense. I knew I was missing something. I saw the same thing Kal El was seeing, but I figured there was something I was missing.

You don't even have to know the numbers to know it makes sense. If there was an advantage to picking last drawing straws would have been ruled out as a fair method of choosing a loser a hell of a long time before you were born.

If you're trying to make me look stupid, you're too late. Life is way ahead of you.