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1989 AJHSME Problems/Problem 25

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Problem

Every time these two wheels are spun, two numbers are selected by the pointers. What is the probability that the sum of the two selected numbers is even?

\text{(A)}\ \frac{1}{6} \qquad \text{(B)}\ \frac{3}{7} \qquad \text{(C)}\ \frac{1}{2} \qquad \text{(D)}\ \frac{2}{3} \qquad \...

unitsize(36);draw(circle((-3,0),1));draw(circle((0,0),1));draw((0,0)--dir(30)); draw((0,0)--(0,-1)); draw((0,0)--dir(150));dr...

Solution

For the sum to be even, the two selected numbers must have the same parity.

The first spinner has 2 odd numbers and 2 even, so no matter what the second spinner is, there is a 1/2 chance the first spinner lands on a number with the same parity, so the probability of an even sum is 1/2\rightarrow \boxed{\text{C}}.

See Also

1989 AJHSME (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 24
Followed by
Last
Problem
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Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.
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