How many beans do I have to take out of the jar to be absolutely sure to get at least one yellow one?

Question

I have a jar containing 60 jelly beans. 1/3 are yellow, 1/4 are white and the rest are red.

 

 

That is it. I am completely stumped on where to even begin to solve. I think I have over complicated this simple word problem. Someone please help me. It is due in an hour.

 

Answer 1

You must remove all red and white to be sure to get a yellow jelly bean.

 

1/3 yellow; 1/3 of 60

 

                 (1/3)60 = 20

 

40 jelly beans are red and white; removing all of these would guarantee choosing a yellow bean

 

the 41st bean removed has to be yellow