Answer:
X = 0.5714
Step-by-step explanation:
entry fee = $16
price for first place = $58. Net win = $58 - $16 = $42
price for second place = $47. Net win = $47 - $16 = $21
price for third place = $5. Net win = $5 - $16 = -$11 ( loss ) hence third position is not a fair gamble
Net loss for the rest = -$16
Given that
P(1st place ) = P( 2nd place ) = P(third place ) = X/3
P( rest ) = 1 - X
Hence the E(profit )
= 42 * X/3 + 37 * X/3 - 11 * X/3 - 16* ( 1 - X )
= 42X / 3 + 37X / 3 - 11X / 3 - 16 + 16X
= 68 X / 3 + 16X - 16
= 84X / 3 - 16 = 28x - 16
hence : 28X - 16 = $0 is a fair gamble
X = 16 / 28 = 0.5714