Please help with the following mutually exclusive Question!

Question

There are 12 DVDs, 7 video games, 14 CDs, and 3 videotapes on Jaime’s bedroom shelf. If Jaime selects an item at random from the shelf, what is the probability that it is a DVD or a video tape?

Answer 1

Hi Sam, I'm glad to help! First, to find the number of DVDs and videotapes, you have to add the number of each on Jaime's shelf together (12+3=15). Then, to find the total number of items on Jaime's desk, you have to add all of the DVDs, videogames, CDs, and videotapes (12+7+14+3=36). Therefore, the probability that the item randomly picked off Jaime's shelf is a DVD or videotape is 15/36, or 5/12 when simplified.