probability

[nurf]

Two words: STAR and BASS

what is the probability of picking the same letter if you pick one out of each word?

please explain

(i dont know the right answer)

[abaabeel]

Let me give it a try. First lets see which are the common letters. These are s and A. The probability of taking S from first word is 1/4, while taking the same letter from second word is 2/4 which gives us the total probability of drawing same letter from both words as: (1/4)(2/4)= 2/16. For A its (1/4) (1/4)=1/16. Adding them together would gives us 3/16 as the total probability. I am nnot sure about it, but this what comes to my mind.

[nurf]

thanks, as far as i remember this was one of the possible answers...

any other opinion?

i think the possibilites of choosing a letter that is not common to both words should be taken into consideration? but how?

[kingrulz]

I completely agree with abaabeel
that's the correct way to do it.