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2004 AMC 10A Problems/Problem 5

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Problem

A set of three points is randomly chosen from the grid shown. Each three point set has the same probability of being chosen. What is the probability that the points lie on the same straight line?

Image:AMC10_2004A_4.gif

\mathrm{(A) \ } \frac{1}{21} \qquad \mathrm{(B) \ } \frac{1}{14} \qquad \mathrm{(C) \ } \frac{2}{21} \qquad \mathrm{(D) \ } \...

Solution

There are \binom{9}{3} ways to choose three points out of the 9 there. There are 8 combinations of dots such that they lie in a straight line: three vertical, three horizontal, and the diagonals.

\dfrac{8}{\binom{9}{3}}=\dfrac{8}{84}=\dfrac{2}{21} \Rightarrow (C)

See also

2004 AMC 10A (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 4
Followed by
Problem 6
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Looking for a challenging geometry text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams? Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Geometry by Richard Rusczyk.
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