Keep it or draw again

You draw a number uniformly from (0,1)(0,1). You may keep it, or discard it and draw once more - in which case your payout is the second draw (you cannot go back). Playing optimally, what is your expected payout?

Show hints (2)+
  1. A fresh draw is worth 1/21/2 on average, so keep the first draw only if it exceeds 1/21/2.
  2. Combine: (keep) P(X≥12) E[X∣X≥12]\mathbb{P}(X\ge\tfrac12)\,\mathbb{E}[X\mid X\ge\tfrac12] plus (redraw) P(X<12)⋅12\mathbb{P}(X<\tfrac12)\cdot\tfrac12.

Answer

Reveal answer →

0.625

Create a free account to see the full worked solution and track your progress.

Interview format: Market Maker, Numerical Reasoning Tests

Related questions