How many sample points are there when two dice and 2 coins are tossed together?

Think it through first, then pick an option.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: a 144

Two dice give 36 and two coins give 4: 36 × 4. The total number of sample points = 6 × 6 × 2 × 2 = 144.

Why the other options are wrong

b 72: 72 = 36 × 2 is for one coin; here there are two coins, so 36 × 4 = 144.
c 36: 36 is for the two dice only; the 4 outcomes of the two coins multiply in too: 36 × 4 = 144.
d 24: 24 = 6 × 2 × 2 is one dice and two coins; here there are two dice: 144.