Two integers and are chosen with replacement from the set . Then the probability that is:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Two integers and are chosen with replacement from the set . Then the probability that is:
Correct answer:A
Standard Method
Given: Two integers and are chosen with replacement from the set .
Find: The probability that .
The total number of outcomes is
because there are choices for and choices for .
Now,
means either
or
Count the favourable pairs:
If , then gives values.
If , then gives values.
If , then gives values.
If , then gives values.
If , then gives value.
If , there is no possible value of .
If , then gives value.
If , then gives values.
If , then gives values.
If , then gives values.
If , then gives values.
Hence the total number of favourable outcomes is
Therefore, the required probability is
So, the correct option is A.
Split Into Two Cases
Given: Two integers are selected with replacement from .
Find: The probability that .
Total outcomes:
Now split the condition into two parts:
and
For , the possible counts are
For , by symmetry, the possible counts are again
Hence total favourable outcomes are
So the probability is
Therefore, the correct option is A.
Students sometimes use as the total number of outcomes. This is wrong because the choices of and are independent, so the total outcomes must be multiplied. Use instead.
A common mistake is to count only one case, either or . This misses half of the favourable outcomes. Both cases must be included because covers differences in both directions.
Some students forget that the selection is with replacement and treat pairs like unordered selections. This is wrong because and are different ordered outcomes here. Count ordered pairs.
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