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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
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rocky620 wrote:
Bunuel, VeritasKarishma , chetan2u

Hi Sir/Mam, I Approached this ques as below:

Total numbers = 99-20+1=80

Since (c-1)*c*(c+1) is always divisible by 3, we need to find its divisibility by 4.

There are 20 multiples of 4 in this range, and these numbers can take any three positions of (c-1), c, (c+1). So, there will be 60 such cases. and hence the probability 60/80=3/4.

Is it a valid approach in all these kind of ques?


rocky620

Though you are on the right track, note that 20 cannot be (c+1). Similarly, 99 can be c so 100 can be c+1.

Instead think about it this way - Every 4th number is a multiple of 4.

O O O 4 O O O 4 O O O 4 ...

So in every 4 consecutive numbers, you can pick the first number of 3 in only 1 way such that there is no multiple of 4.
i.e. you can pick O O O. You can pick O O 4. You an pick O 4 O. You can pick 4 O O.
So in only 1 case in 4, there will be no multiple of 4. In rest of the three cases, there will be a multiple of 4. So 3/4 cases will have a multiple of 4.

From 20 to 99, we have 80 consecutive numbers (c-1 can take values from 19 to 98 - again 80 consecutive numbers so the analysis remains the same). Then 3/4th cases of these will give a multiple of 4 and hence a multiple of 12.
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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
Bunuel wrote:
2. C^3-C=(C-1)*C*(C+1): we have the product of 3 consecutive integers


Here is the only part that I dont get. How did you arrive at this?

C^3-C = C*C*C-C

E.g: 20*20*20-20 = 20*400-20 = 20*399

I can try with numbers and see that you are correct, but could you please explain this step in more detail. Thanks!
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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
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Bambi2021 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
2. C^3-C=(C-1)*C*(C+1): we have the product of 3 consecutive integers


Here is the only part that I dont get. How did you arrive at this?

C^3-C = C*C*C-C

E.g: 20*20*20-20 = 20*400-20 = 20*399

I can try with numbers and see that you are correct, but could you please explain this step in more detail. Thanks!


\(C^3-C\);

Factor C:
\(C^3-C=C(C^2-1)\);

Now apply \(a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)\) to \(C^2-1^2\):
\(C^3-C=C(C^2-1)=C(C-1)(C+1)\).

Hope it's clear.
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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
Asked: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. What is the probability that C^3 - C is divisible by 12 ?

C^3 - C = (C-1)C(C+1)
which is divisible by 3 & 2 i.e. 6 but is divisible by 12 if C is an odd integer or if C is a multiple of 4.

The probability that C is an odd integer = 1/2
The probability that C is a multiple of 4 = 1/4
Since both events are mutually exclusive
The probability that C^3 - C is divisible by 12 = 1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4

IMO C
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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
Bunuel do we have more of these? I went through the additional ones you posted...while I get the "idea" I am still too slow readily tackling different variations of the question.
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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. What is the probability that C^3 - C is divisible by 12 ?

C^3 - C => C(C^2-1) => C(C-1)(C+1). This is the product of 3 consecutive numbers: (C-1)(C)(C+1).

If _ _ _ |_ _ _ |_ _ _ |_ _ _ | _ _ _ |is 12 consecutive placements, what is the probability that C-1 OR C OR C+1 is in the 4th section?

Probability of A AND B => multiply, bc both conditions need to be met.
Probability of A OR B = > add, bc one OR the other condition needs to be met.

every 3rd number (aka multiple of 3) X every 4th number (aka multiple of 4) = 12x which is div by 12.

C-1 has 3 out of 12 aka 1/4 probability of being in the last 3 placements. (C-1)(C)(C+1), (C-1)(C) | (C+1), (C-1) | (C)(C+1) all divisible by 12.
+
C has 1/4 probability (C-1) | (C)(C+1), (C-1)(C)(C+1), (C-1)(C) | (C+1) all divisible by 12.
+
C+1 has 1/4 probability (C-1)(C) | (C+1), (C-1) | (C)(C+1), (C-1)(C)(C+1) all divisible by 12.
=
3/4 probability of the 3 consecutive numbers being divisible by 12.
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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
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Re: If integer C is randomly selected from 20 to 99, inclusive. [#permalink]
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