Combined events & tree diagrams: IGCSE Mathematics questions with answers
Free Combined events & tree diagrams questions for IGCSE Mathematics (0580), part of Probability. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Combined events & tree diagrams practice questions
Question 1Structured · 4 marksA* challenge
The probability that it rains on any day is 0.4. The weather on different days is independent.
(a)
Find the probability that it rains on exactly one of two days.
[2]
(b)
Find the probability that it rains on at least one of three days.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
0.48
2 × 0.4 × 0.6 M1 0.48 A1
2
(b)
0.784
1 − 0.63M1 0.784 A1
2
Question 2Structured · 7 marksA* challenge
A bag contains 5 red counters and 3 blue counters. Two counters are taken at random from the bag, without replacement.
(a)
Find the probability that the two counters are different colours.
[3]
(b)
Find the probability that at least one of the counters is red.
[2]
(c)
Given that the two counters are the same colour, find the probability that they are both red.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
1528
58 × 37M1 × 2 or add the two orders M1 1528A1
3
(b)
2528
1 − 38 × 27M1 2528A1
2
(c)
1013
2056 ÷ 2656M1 1013A1
2
Question 3Structured · 5 marks
A box contains 5 red sweets and 3 green sweets. Sam takes a sweet at random, eats it, then takes another.
(a)
Draw a tree diagram and find the probability that both sweets are red.
[3]
(b)
Find the probability that the sweets are different colours.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
514
tree with correct branches B1 58 × 47M1 514A1
3
(b)
1528
2 × 58 × 37M1 1528A1
2
Question 4Structured · 7 marks
A bag contains 3 red counters and 2 blue counters. Amira takes a counter at random, notes its colour and does not replace it. She then takes a second counter at random.
Fig. 4.1
(a)
Complete the tree diagram.
[2]
(b)
Find the probability that both counters are red.
[2]
(c)
Find the probability that the counters are different colours.
[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
Lower branches: 3/4 and 1/4
3/4 B1 1/4 B1
2
(b)
310
35 × 24M1 310A1
2
(c)
35
35 × 24M1 25 × 34 added M1 35A1
3
Question 5Structured · 9 marksA* challenge
A bag contains 6 red counters and n blue counters. Two counters are taken at random, without replacement. The probability that the two counters are the same colour is 715.
(a)
Form an equation in n.
[3]
(b)
Solve the equation to find n.
[3]
(c)
The bag is returned to its original contents. Three counters are now taken without replacement. Find the probability that exactly two of them are red.
[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
15(30 + n2 − n) = 7(n + 6)(n + 5) or equivalent
6n + 6 × 5n + 5 + nn + 6 × n − 1n + 5M1 combined over the common denominator M1 equated and cross-multiplied correctly A1
3
(b)
n = 4
expanded to a quadratic = 0 M1 factorise / formula M1 n = 4 (reject the other root) A1
3
(c)
12
610 × 59 × 48M1 × 3 for the arrangements M1 12A1
3
Question 6Structured · 11 marksA* challenge
Amir and Bea take turns to roll a fair six-sided die. Amir rolls first. The first person to roll a 6 wins.
(a)
Find the probability that Bea wins on her first roll.
[2]
(b)
Find the probability that Amir wins the game.
[5]
(c)
The rules change so that Bea wins if she rolls a 5 or a 6, while Amir still needs a 6. Determine whether the game is now fair.
[4]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
536
56 × 16M1 536A1
2
(b)
p = 611
Amir wins at once with probability 16B1 both miss with probability 2536, after which the game restarts M1 p = 16 + 2536p A1 1136p = 16M1 p = 611A1
5
(c)
P(Amir) = 3/8, P(Bea) = 5/8: not fair, Bea favoured
p = 16 + 56 × 23p M1 p = 38A1 Bea wins with probability 58A1 not fair A1
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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in