Question

Late flights An airline reports that 85% of its flights arrive on time. To find the probability that its next four flights into LaGuardia Airport all arrive on time, can

we multiply (0.85)(0.85)(0.85)(0.85)? Why or why not?

Short answer

No.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given Information

According to one airline, 85 percent of its flights arrive on time.

Step 2. Concept used

Multiplication rule:$P\left(A\cap B\right)=P\left(A\right)\times P\left(B\right)$

Step 3. Explanation

No, because the probability of consecutive flights being on time is not independent for each trip (if one is late, the chances of the following flight being late are increased), and so it cannot be used for independent events.