In: Statistics and Probability
A telescope contains 3 large mirrors. The time (in years) until a single mirror fails has been investigated by your colleagues. You now know that the probability that a mirror is still fully functional after t years is
R(t) = exp −(t/9.4)6
(a) All mirrors must be working to take the most detailed photographs. What is the proba-
bility that the telescope can produce these types of pictures for at least 6 years?
(b) The lowest resolution photographs can be taken as long as at least one mirror is work- ing. What is the probability that these photographs can be taken for at least 5 years?
(c) The most common photographs the telescope will be taking are of medium resolution. This is possible as long as at least two mirrors are working. What is the probability that this remains possible for at least 7 years?