Single correct option
Two distinct numbers are selected at random from the integers 1 to 20. What is the probability that their product is divisible by 3?
- A. 3/10
- B. 33/95
- C. 91/190
- D. 99/190
Show answer and solution
Answer: (D) 99/190
The product is divisible by 3 unless neither number is a multiple of 3.
Multiples of 3 in 1–20: 3, 6, …, 18 → 6 numbers; the other 14 are not.
P(neither is a multiple of 3) = C(14, 2)/C(20, 2) = 91/190.
Required probability = 1 − 91/190 = 99/190.
Trap: 91/190 is the complement; 3/10 is simply the chance a single number is a multiple of 3.
Multiples of 3 in 1–20: 3, 6, …, 18 → 6 numbers; the other 14 are not.
P(neither is a multiple of 3) = C(14, 2)/C(20, 2) = 91/190.
Required probability = 1 − 91/190 = 99/190.
Trap: 91/190 is the complement; 3/10 is simply the chance a single number is a multiple of 3.
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