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Quote:
Ann and Bob each randomly select an integer from the integers x to y, inclusive. What is the probability that the integer Ann selects is greater than the one Bob selects?

(1) y - x = 9
(2) y = -20

Let's understand what happens in a few scenarios:-

-> Let's assume x is 1, and y is 3, following are all the possible combinations:-
(1,2)
(1,3)
(1,1)
(2,2)
(3,3)
(2,1)
(3,1)

We can see that the probability will be same for both Ann and Bob for selecting a greater integer, since if one selects a smaller number, other will select a larger one, or the same number.

In this case, that probability is 1/3

-> Let's assume x is 1 and y is 2, following are all the possible combinations:-
(1,2)
(1,1)
(2,2)
(2,1)

In this case, the probability is 1/4.

So, we can see that, if we have even number of integers the probability will be (1/4), and for odd number of integers the probability will be (1/3).

Now, looking at the options:-

(1) y-x=9
-> From this we know that there are an even number of integers, so this is sufficient to answer the question.

(2) y = -20
-> From this we don't know what x is, and consequently, we don't know whether the total number of integers is even or odd. Hence, we can't answer using this alone.

Therefore, (A) is the answer.
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s1) x-y=9, so there are 10 choices each for Ann and Bob, so 100 total outcomes. For each pair (a, b), we count how many satisfy a > b. Since the distribution is symmetric and the values are equally likely, the number of outcomes where a > b equals the number where b > a. The remaining are the ties.

There are 10 ties (when a = b), so 100 - 10 = 90 outcomes where one is greater than the other. Half of these, or 45, are where Ann’s number is greater. So the probability is 45 out of 100, or 0.45. S1 is sufficient.

S2) doesnt tell us anything about n, and hence can be eliminated.
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Ann and Bob each randomly select an integer from the integers x to y, inclusive. What is the probability that the integer Ann selects is greater than the one Bob selects?

(1) y - x = 9
(2) y = -20


We don't need the actual value of x and y to get the probability. We only need to know how many numbers are there. If there are 3 numbers, then the probability would be 1/3.
If there are 4 numbers, then the probability would be 3/8. So if we know how many numbers are there, then we will get a unique number.

St1: Sufficient
St2: Insufficient

Answer: (A)
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Quote:
Ann and Bob each randomly select an integer from the integers x to y, inclusive. What is the probability that the integer Ann selects is greater than the one Bob selects?

(1) y - x = 9
(2) y = -20


Let's understand what happens in a few scenarios:-
-> Let's assume x is 1, and y is 3, following are all the possible combinations:-
(1,2)
(1,3)
(1,1)
(2,2)
(3,3)
(2,1)
(3,1)
We can see that the probability will be same for both Ann and Bob for selecting a greater integer, since if one selects a smaller number, other will select a larger one, or the same number.
In this case, that probability is 1/3
-> Let's assume x is 1 and y is 2, following are all the possible combinations:-
(1,2)
(1,1)
(2,2)
(2,1)
In this case, the probability is 1/4.
So, we can see that, if we have even number of integers the probability will be (1/4), and for odd number of integers the probability will be (1/3).
Now, looking at the options:-
(1) y-x=9
-> From this we know that there are an even number of integers, so this is sufficient to answer the question.
(2) y = -20
-> From this we don't know what x is, and consequently, we don't know whether the total number of integers is even or odd. Hence, we can't answer using this alone.
Therefore, (A) is the answer.
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Bunuel
Ann and Bob each randomly select an integer from the integers x to y, inclusive. What is the probability that the integer Ann selects is greater than the one Bob selects?

(1) y - x = 9
(2) y = -20


 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 


If Ann and Bob each pick uniformly from the same list of N consecutive integers,
the probability Ann’s number is larger than Bob’s is

\(\displaystyle P=\frac{N-1}{2N}\)

(because out of \(N^{2}\) ordered pairs there are \(N\) ties, and the remaining pairs split
equally between Ann-greater-than-Bob and Bob-greater-than-Ann).

Here \(N = y - x + 1.\)

\(y - x = 9 \Rightarrow N = 10\)
Then,
\(P = \frac{10 - 1}{2 \cdot 10} = \frac{9}{20}\)
A unique probability can be computed.
Statement (1) is sufficient.

\(y = -20\)
This gives no information about \(x\), so \(N\) remains unknown.
Statement (2) is not sufficient.

Final Answer: A
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Answer: A

Let's start with the obvious one first:
(2) y = - 20
We have zero information about x. Because we cannot determine their range -> Not sufficient.

(1) y - x = 9

Notice we can determine their range: 9 + 1 = 10.
This may be seen more clearly if we were to draw a number line, noticing that |y - x| = 9.


Another way to notice it is by catching the qualifier inclusive.
Quote:
Ann and Bob each randomly select an integer from the integers x to y, inclusive.

[Quick recap on ranges, and their total number of integers:

  • Two endpoints considered: y - x + 1
  • One endpoint considered: y - x (most common case: y in included, but x is excluded and vice-versa)
  • Two endpoints not considered: y - x - 1
]

Total number of outcomes
Therefore, Ann can pick whichever of the 10 numbers on the line. Bob can also pick whichever of the 10 numbers.
# Ω = 10 * 10 = 100

Ann > Bob
But when does Ann pick a higher number than Bob?
  • If she picks the biggest number, she wins 9 times (because Bob may tie when he picks the biggest too) = 9
  • 2nd highest, she wins 8 times (Bob may tie or pick the biggest number) = 8
  • 3rd highest, she wins 7 times = 7
  • ...
  • 2nd least, she wins 1 time (Bob may still pick the lowest) = 1
  • smallest number, she wins 0 times (she can, at best, tie with Bob) = 0
Therefore, # A = 9 + 8 + 7 + ... + 1 + 0 = 9 * 5 = 45

Probability Calculation
p (Ann > Bob) = \([# A][/# Ω]\) = \([45][/100] \)= 0.45

-> Sufficient
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To determine: P(x>y) = ?

A -> x
B -> y

1. y - x = 9

W.k.t x & y are integers

If y -> Positive (Say, 7)
x -> Negative (Say, -2)
y-x = 9
y>x

If y-> positive (Say, 11)
x-> positive (Say, 2)
y-x=9
y>x

If y-> Negative (Say, -2)
x-> negative (Say, -11)
y-x = 9
y>x

Therefore, in all scenarios y > x => P(x>y) = 0
Hence, sufficient

2.
We don't know the value of x to determine if it will be greater, equal or smaller than y.
Insufficient

Ans.A
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Bunuel
Ann and Bob each randomly select an integer from the integers x to y, inclusive. What is the probability that the integer Ann selects is greater than the one Bob selects?

(1) y - x = 9
(2) y = -20


 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 


If Ann and Bob select any two integers randomly we have a symmetrical distribution. That is, Bob and Ann would both have equal probability of getting a lesser number from the other person.

The distribution can be
1. Probability of Ann picks a lesser number than Bob = P(A)
2. Probability of Bob picks a lesser number than Ann = P(B)
3. Probability of Ann and Bob pick the same number = P(N)

P(A) + P(B) + P(N) = 1
Also since its a symmetrical distribution, P(A) = P(B) = P
=> P + P + P(N) = 1
=> 2P + P(N) = 1
=> 2P = 1 - P(N) ------ (a)

Let total integers between 'x' and 'y' be N (Inclusive)
Now total number of outcomes would be N(Bob) x N(Ann) = N^2

If both pick the same number we have N such outcomes such as (x, x) and (y, y) etc

Probability of picking the same number = P(A) = N/N^2 = 1/N

Putting this in (a)
2P = 1 - 1/N
=> 2P = (N - 1)/N
=> P = (N - 1)/2N

Hence probability of Ann getting a lesser number than Bob = (N - 1)/2N
We need the value of N to get the probability.

(1) y - x = 9
The integers start at 'x' and ends at 'y'
Then N = y - x + 1, by fundamental counting
=> N = 9 + 1
=> N = 10
Sufficient

(2) y = -20
Without x we cannot know the the value of N.
Insufficient

IMHO Option A
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There are digits from digit x to digit y. Ann and Bob select one each. What is P(Ann Number Selected > Bob number selected)

I. y - x = 9.

Since there are 9 numbers, there are 8 situations where Ann selects a number greater than Bob, 8 of the reverse situation and 9 where they both pick the same values. It's enough to establish the Probability. Sufficient.

II. y = -20

This doesn't give us a range, only one extreme of the number set. Insufficient.

Answer: A
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statement 1: y - x = 9, That means there are 10 terms both anna and bob select any terms from these 10 terms so total pair could be 10*10 = 100, so we know total outcome in some cases anna will be greater/less/equal to bob, we don't, care about that, we just know it will be sufficient to calculate probability anna greater than bob. Hence sufficient.

statement 2: y = -20 This statement doesn't tell any thing about x so it's insufficient.

Hence,
Answer: A
Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
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Bunuel
Ann and Bob each randomly select an integer from the integers x to y, inclusive. What is the probability that the integer Ann selects is greater than the one Bob selects?

(1) y - x = 9
(2) y = -20


 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 



We have to find P(Ann)>P(Bob)

Consider statement 1.
y-x=9.
Let's assume y=10 and x=1
Now we have numbers: {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10} in our set.
Various ordered pairs can be formed such as: (1,2), (1,3)... or (2,3),(2,4) and so on for each number.
If Bob picks the smallest number 1, Ann can pick any of the 9 higher numbers.
If Bob picks 2, Ann can pick any of the 8 higher numbers.
And so on...
Hence, get the total number of such ordered pairs. (This will be our numerator)
Total outcomes= 10*10=100. (Denominator)
Similarly, P(Ann>Bob) can be found out for any integer values of x and y and will give a unique probability.
Sufficient.

Consider statement 2,
y=-20.
Now, nothing is said about x.
So the range of numbers cannot be determined, and there can be different probabilities depending on the value of x.
Not Sufficient.

Answer: A
Statement 1 alone is sufficient.
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St-1- y-x=9
that means, total integers are 10.
We don't know which number will Bob select so we can make cases.
If Bob select the lowest number then Prob would be 1/10 x 9/10
If Bob selects 2nd lowest then Prob would be 1/10 x 8/10
.
.
.
So total prob would be (1/10x9/10)+(1/10x8/10)+(1/10x7/10)+(1/10x6/10).... (1/10x1/10)
And this will remain same for any 10 numbers, thus St-1 is sufficient.

St-2. y=-20
Since we don't have information about , this statement is insufficient.

Hence, Option (a) would be my choice.
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1) tells us there are 10 numbers (since y−x=9y - x = 9y−x=9), so we can calculate the exact probability that Ann's number is greater than Bob's: it's 0.45. Sufficient

(2) only gives y=−20y = -20y=−20, but without knowing xxx, we can't know how many numbers are in the range. Not sufficient

So, only Statement (1) is sufficient
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Statement (1): y – x = 9

This tells us the range has 10 integers (inclusive), but we don’t know what those actual integers are.

Example 1: Let x = 1, y = 10
Then the integers are 1 to 10, and we can compute the probability using enumeration or a known result:
If we know there are 10 integers, we can compute a unique answer.

Statement (1) is sufficient

Statement (2): y = –20

This gives only the upper bound. We know nothing about x, so we don’t know how many integers are in the range.

Probability depends on how many integers are in the range → not sufficient.

Statement (2) is not sufficient

Final Answer: (A) Statement (1) alone is sufficient, but (2) alone is not


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The set of integers Ann and Bob can pick from is:
\{x, x+1, \dots, y\}
• Total number of choices = y - x + 1
• Ann and Bob choose independently from this same set.
• We are asked:
What is the probability that Ann’s number > Bob’s number?

Note: Since choices are random and uniform, we want to compute the probability that Ann’s pick is strictly greater than Bob’s.



Now let’s examine each statement.



Statement (1): y - x = 9

This tells us the size of the interval:
y - x + 1 = 10 \text{ integers}

So, Ann and Bob are each choosing uniformly from a set of 10 consecutive integers.

Let’s compute the probability that Ann’s number is greater than Bob’s when both pick uniformly from a set of 10 integers.

Let the values be from 1 to 10 (without loss of generality, since the distribution shape doesn’t change based on x/y, only the size of the set matters here).

There are 10 \times 10 = 100 possible (Ann, Bob) pairs.

Let’s count how many times Ann > Bob:
• If Bob picks 1: Ann can pick 2 through 10 → 9 options
• If Bob picks 2: Ann can pick 3 through 10 → 8 options
• ...
• If Bob picks 9: Ann can pick 10 → 1 option
• If Bob picks 10: Ann can’t pick anything > 10 → 0 options

Total favorable outcomes:
9 + 8 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 0 = \frac{9 \cdot (9+1)}{2} = 45

So:
\text{Probability} = \frac{45}{100} = 0.45

✅ We can compute the exact probability from this statement alone.
Statement (1) is sufficient.



Statement (2): y = -20

This tells us the upper bound, but nothing about x, the lower bound.
So we don’t know the number of integers in the interval, or whether Ann has more higher numbers to pick than Bob.

For example:
• If x = -29, then range is from -29 to -20 → 10 numbers → same as before.
• If x = -50, then range is much larger → result changes.

So without knowing x, we cannot determine the probability.

🚫 Statement (2) is not sufficient.
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1) Case 1: With replacement (Ann and Bob can pick the same number)
• Ann has 9 choices
• Bob has 9 choices
• Total outcomes = 9 X 9 = 81

Case 2: without replacement
Total outcomes = 9x8=72

Since there are equal cases where Ann> Bob and Ann< Bob this favorable outcomes = 36

Hence sufficient

2) we don’t have value of X

Ans A
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A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.

Total number of ways Ann and Bob can select 2 numbers between x and y (x,y inclusive) = (y-x+1)*(y-x+1) -->A

Total number of ways that Ann selects a number greater than the Bob's selection = (y-x+1)*(y-x)/2 -->B

Probablity = B/A = (y-x)/((y-x+1)*2)

This number can be obtained using only the first statement
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