Two full decks mixed: Draw two cards in sequence without replacement. What is the probability both drawn cards are jacks?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 7/1339

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When two standard decks (2 × 52 = 104 cards) are thoroughly shuffled, there are 8 jacks total. We draw two cards sequentially without replacement and want both to be jacks.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Total cards = 104; total jacks = 8.
  • Sampling without replacement; order matters only in probability multiplication.


Concept / Approach:
Use sequential probability: P(first jack) × P(second jack | first jack). Multiply numerators and denominators carefully to avoid arithmetic slips.


Step-by-Step Solution:

P(first jack) = 8/104 = 1/13P(second jack | first jack) = 7/103P(both jacks) = (1/13) * (7/103) = 7/1339


Verification / Alternative check:
Combinatorial form: C(8,2)/C(104,2) = [28]/[5356] = 7/1339, same result.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 1/13 or 2/13 ignore the second conditional step.
  • 1/169 assumes replacement or independence that does not hold here.


Common Pitfalls:
Using 52 instead of 104; forgetting there are 8 jacks; assuming replacement.


Final Answer:
7/1339

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