Problem

Source: Finland 2015, Problem 5

Tags: points, correct, probability, combinatorics



Mikko takes a multiple choice test with ten questions. His only goal is to pass the test, and this requires seven points. A correct answer is worth one point, and answering wrong results in the deduction of one point. Mikko knows for sure that he knows the correct answer in the six first questions. For the rest, he estimates that he can give the correct answer to each problem with probability $p, 0 < p < 1$. How many questions Mikko should try?