Random Steps of a Drunk Man: Probability of Escaping the Cliff

Problem
From where he stands, one step toward the cliff would send the drunken man over the edge. He takes random steps, either toward or away from the cliff. At any step his probability of taking a step away is 2/3, of a step toward the cliff 1/3. What is his chance of escaping the cliff?

A.   2/27 C.   4/27
B.   107/243 D.   1/2

 

Minimum amount of money that must be spent before three gumballs of the same color are dispense

A vending machine dispenses gumballs in a regular repeating cycle of ten different colors. If a quarter buys 3 gumballs, what is the minimum amount of money that must be spent before three gumballs of the same color are dispense?