Topic(s)- Probability, Factorials, Exponents
Strategy- Number Testing, Algebra
Variable(s)- Probability All Different = "P(d)"; Probability All Same = "P(s)"
P(d) = 6*P(s)
Determine Probabilities by Testing #s
If n = 3: Integer set is {1, 2, 3}
1. P(d) = (# favorable outcomes) / (total # of outcomes)
i) # Favorable outcomes
= (3 #s can be chosen 1st) * (3-1=2 #s can be chosen 2nd) * (2-1=1 # can be chosen 3rd) = 3*2*1 = 3!
= n!
ii) Total # of outcomes
(3 total #s)*(3 total #s)*(3 total #s) = 3^3
= n^n
iii) P(d) = (n!) / (n^n)
2. P(s)
i) # Favorable outcomes
= (Favorable outcome = all 1's) + (Favorable outcome = all 2s) + (Favorable outcome = all 3s) = 3
= n
ii) Total # of outcomes
= n^n
iii) P(s) = (n) / (n^n)
3. P(d) = 6*P(s)
(n!) / (n^n) = 6 * (n) / (n^n)
n! = 6n
4. Test #s
a) n = 3: (3*2*1) =? (6*3) [NO]
b) n = 4: (4*3*2*1 =? (6*4) [YES]
Answer: B