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# n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre

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n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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16 Apr 2018, 02:29
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95% (hard)

Question Stats:

43% (02:38) correct 57% (02:43) wrong based on 53 sessions

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n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number greater than 3. If 3 of the n points are to be chosen at random, what is the probability that a triangle having the 3 points chosen as vertices will be a right triangle?

A. $$(n-1)/6$$

B. $$(n+2)/6$$

C. $$2/(3n+2)$$

D. $$3/(n-1)$$

E. $$6/(n+4)$$

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n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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16 Apr 2018, 03:28
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gmatbusters wrote:
n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number greater than 3. If 3 of the n points are to be chosen at random, what is the probability that a triangle having the 3 points chosen as vertices will be a right triangle?

A. $$(n-1)/6$$

B. $$(n+2)/6$$

C. $$2/(3n+2)$$

D. $$3/(n-1)$$

E. $$6/(n+4)$$

OA is D
As given in the question , possible value of n( even and >3) can be 4,6,8.....
if we put n=8 in option A and n=6 in option B , probability is coming out to be greater than 1,which is not possible.
So we can eliminate option A and B.

Now we take n=4, so we have to choose any 3 points of these 4 to make triangle.
For finding the probability , we have to find the total number of case for n=4 . it is given by $$C(4,3)$$.
That comes out be 4.
If we draw all these 4 cases,we will find that all 4 are right angle triangle so probability is 1 for n=4.
Attachment:

IMG_20180416_164848.jpg [ 219.65 KiB | Viewed 894 times ]

Now , if we put n =4 into remaining options.

C. $$2/(3n+2)$$ = $$2/14 = 1/7$$

D. $$3/(n-1)$$ = $$3/3 = 1$$

E. $$6/(n+4)$$= $$6/8=3/4$$

Only option D is giving probability =1, so OA is D
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n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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16 Apr 2018, 04:49
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Here is my lazy approach

The more "n" you have, the less is probability is, hence "n" should be in denominator. So we left with D and E options.

Now it is time to choose between D and E. For me D "feels" right as n+4 (in E) has no meaning and decrease chances, and n-1 (in D) makes sence as it increases chances, because points are evenly spreaded and each point has a chance to get a point in front of it, so there should be more chances than 3 out of "n".

I know this is not a sientific approach, but sometimes a little bit of abstract thinking and logic can save time and nerves.

A. $$(n-1)/6$$

B. $$(n+2)/6$$

C. $$2/(3n+2)$$

D. $$3/(n-1)$$

E. $$6/(n+4)$$
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Re: n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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16 Apr 2018, 06:12
How u eliminated C

"more "n" you have, the less is probability is, hence "n" should be in denominator. So we left with D and E options."

Hero8888 wrote:
Here is my lazy approach

more "n" you have, the less is probability is, hence "n" should be in denominator. So we left with D and E options.

Now it is time to choose between D and E. For me D "feels" right as n+4 (in E) has no meaning and decrease chances, and n-1 (in D) makes sence as it increases chances, because points are evenly spreaded and each point has a chance to get a point in front of it, so there should be more chances than 3 out of "n".

I know this is not a sientific approach, but sometimes a little bit of abstract thinking and logic can save time and nerves.

A. $$(n-1)/6$$

B. $$(n+2)/6$$

C. $$2/(3n+2)$$

D. $$3/(n-1)$$

E. $$6/(n+4)$$

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n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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16 Apr 2018, 07:16
1
gmatbusters wrote:
How u eliminated C

"more "n" you have, the less is probability is, hence "n" should be in denominator. So we left with D and E options."

I meant the greater ''n'' is, so the only way it can influence this way is denominator.
I have missed the option C, thanks, but the reason for C is the same as for E : what is the reason to think that you have to pick more than from given "n" points? So you can't have "+" there. I have mentioned, that this is not the best approach, I would say it's related to POE.
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Re: n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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16 Apr 2018, 07:20
1
You are right, I saw that u missed C, yes it is wrong option...
We we should not win by accident, so don't leave any option unintentionally.

Hero8888 wrote:
gmatbusters wrote:
How u eliminated C

"more "n" you have, the less is probability is, hence "n" should be in denominator. So we left with D and E options."

I meant the greater ''n'' is, so the only way it can influence this way is denominator.
I have missed the option C, thanks, but the reason for C is the same as for E : what is the reason to think that you have to pick more than from given "n" points? So you can't have "+" there. I have told that this is not the best approach, I would say it's related to POE.

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Re: n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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16 Apr 2018, 07:45
1
1
CONVENTIONAL APPROACH :

To construct a right angle on a circle,we need the diameter D of the circle upon which the other 2 sides of the triangle are contingen.
Since the points are equally spaced, no of diagonals will be n/2.
To select one diagonal from n/2, no of choices = $$(n/2)C1$$ = n/2
Then to select the other 2 sides, we need to select a point from remaining points= (n-2) points (since 2 points has been chosen for the diameter).
No of choices = $$(n-2)C1 = (n-2)$$
Total no of favorable cases = $$n/2*(n-2)$$

Total no. of cases = 3 vertices of right angle ? chosen from n points=$$nC3$$
Thus,Prob(? with 3 vertices)=$$((n-2)n/2)/nC3$$
$$=3/(n-1)$$
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WhatsApp Image 2018-04-16 at 21.13.46.jpeg [ 52.95 KiB | Viewed 799 times ]

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Re: n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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17 Apr 2018, 02:43
gmatbusters Appreciate your solution, I understand the procedure you followed but I do not get how it takes care of 'right triangle' clause if we choose each points in such way.
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Re: n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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17 Apr 2018, 03:35
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The concept used is-
THE ANGLE IN A SEMICIRCLE IS ALWAYS 90 DEGREE.

Thus when we select first two points as end point of diameter then the triangle formed will always be a right angled triangle.

tll001 wrote:
gmatbusters Appreciate your solution, I understand the procedure you followed but I do not get how it takes care of 'right triangle' clause if we choose each points in such way.

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Re: n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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17 Apr 2018, 04:38
gmatbusters, Thanks! Learning something from you every day!
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Re: n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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17 Apr 2018, 05:19
Thanks!!!

I will make sure learning continues

tll001 wrote:
gmatbusters, Thanks! Learning something from you every day!

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n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number gre  [#permalink]

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17 Sep 2018, 08:13
gmatbusters wrote:
n points are equally spaced on a circle, where n is an even number greater than 3. If 3 of the n points are to be chosen at random, what is the probability that a triangle having the 3 points chosen as vertices will be a right triangle?

A. $$(n-1)/6$$

B. $$(n+2)/6$$

C. $$2/(3n+2)$$

D. $$3/(n-1)$$

E. $$6/(n+4)$$

Let´s explore the simplest particular case: n = 4

Choosing any 3 points among A, B, C, D (see figure), it´s CERTAIN that we will have chosen a right triangle, therefore when n = 4 we expect 1 as our "target".

(A) 3/6 is not 1, refuted
(B) 6/6 is 1, this alternative is a "survivor"
(C) 2/14 is not 1, refuted
(D) 3/3 is 1, this alternative is a "survivor"
(E) 6/8 is not 1, refuted

Now let´s compare (B) (n+2)/6 and (D) 3/(n-1) ...

When n increases, (n+2)/6 increases and this is no good, hence (B) is refuted. (Reason: with greater values of n, the probability of getting a right triangle decreases!)

The only "survivor" (D) is the right alternative choice!

This solution follows the notations and rationale taught in the GMATH method.

Regards,
Fabio.

POST-MORTEM (solving the general case to prove that (D) is really the right answer, without excluding the other choices, as we did before):
There are C(n,3)*3! = n(n-1)(n-2) equiprobable possible choices if we consider the order in which the points are chosen in the circle (to help the "favorable counting")!
A favorable situation is such that 2 of the 3 chosen points must be opposite to each other (to be a diameter of the circle).
First choice : n possibilities ("free") , second choice (scenario A): 1 possibility (to have the diameter already) and third choice (in this scenario): (n-2) choices (any point remaining is good) :: Total: n.1.(n-2) choices
First choice : n possibilities ("free") , second choice (scenario B): (n-2) possibilities (NOT to have the diameter yet) and third choice (in this scenario): 2 choices (diameter with first, or with second choice) :: Total: n.(n-2).2 choices
Scenarios A and B are mutually exclusive, hence we may add the total possibilities: 3n(n-2) possibilities
? = 3n(n-2) divided by C(n,3)*3! = 3/(n-1) as expected!
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17Set18_3w.gif [ 16.04 KiB | Viewed 347 times ]

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