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Let S be the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for whi

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Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 59728
Let S be the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for whi  [#permalink]

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20 Mar 2019, 23:28
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Difficulty:

55% (hard)

Question Stats:

43% (02:15) correct 57% (01:25) wrong based on 14 sessions

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Let S be the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for which the first term is not 1. A permutation is chosen randomly from S. The probability that the second term is 2, in lowest terms, is a/b. What is a + b?

(A) 5
(B) 6
(C) 11
(D) 16
(E) 19

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e-GMAT Representative
Joined: 04 Jan 2015
Posts: 3158
Re: Let S be the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for whi  [#permalink]

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21 Mar 2019, 00:04

Solution

Given:
• S denotes the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for which the first term is not 1.
• A permutation is chosen randomly from S.
• The probability that the second term is 2, in lowest terms, is a/b.

To find:
• The value of a + b.

Approach and Working:
As the first term is not 1,
• Total number of ways the first term can be chosen = 4
• And, the number of possible permutations for each of the first terms = 4!
• Hence, total permutations = 4 x 4!

If the second term is 2,
• Total number of ways the first term can be chosen = 3
• And, the number of possible permutations = 3!
• Hence, total permutations = 3 x 3!

So, the value of a/b = (3 * 3!)/(4 * 4!) = 18/96 = 3/16
• The value of a + b = 3 + 16 = 19

Hence, the correct answer is option E.

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Joined: 18 Aug 2017
Posts: 5484
Location: India
Concentration: Sustainability, Marketing
GPA: 4
WE: Marketing (Energy and Utilities)
Re: Let S be the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for whi  [#permalink]

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21 Mar 2019, 01:35
EgmatQuantExpert
Could you please explain on why you have done
So, the value of a/b = (3 * 3!)/(4 * 4!) = 18/96 = 3/16
• The value of a + b = 3 + 16 = 19

EgmatQuantExpert wrote:

Solution

Given:
• S denotes the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for which the first term is not 1.
• A permutation is chosen randomly from S.
• The probability that the second term is 2, in lowest terms, is a/b.

To find:
• The value of a + b.

Approach and Working:
As the first term is not 1,
• Total number of ways the first term can be chosen = 4
• And, the number of possible permutations for each of the first terms = 4!
• Hence, total permutations = 4 x 4!

If the second term is 2,
• Total number of ways the first term can be chosen = 3
• And, the number of possible permutations = 3!
• Hence, total permutations = 3 x 3!

So, the value of a/b = (3 * 3!)/(4 * 4!) = 18/96 = 3/16
• The value of a + b = 3 + 16 = 19

Hence, the correct answer is option E.

e-GMAT Representative
Joined: 04 Jan 2015
Posts: 3158
Re: Let S be the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for whi  [#permalink]

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21 Mar 2019, 01:46
Archit3110 wrote:
EgmatQuantExpert
Could you please explain on why you have done
So, the value of a/b = (3 * 3!)/(4 * 4!) = 18/96 = 3/16
• The value of a + b = 3 + 16 = 19

Hey Archit3110,
in the question, a/b is defined as the probability of choosing a set with second term 2.

Now, number of ways we can select a set with second term 2 = 3 * 3!
And, total number of ways we can select a set = 4 * 4!
Hence, the probability = $$\frac{a}{b} = \frac{3 * 3!}{4 * 4!}$$

In lowest term, the value of the fraction becomes $$\frac{3}{16}$$
Hence, a + b = 3 + 16 = 19

_________________
Re: Let S be the set of permutations of the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for whi   [#permalink] 21 Mar 2019, 01:46
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