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2005 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 19

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Problem

One fair die has faces 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3 and another has faces 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6. The dice are rolled and the numbers on the top faces are added. What is the probability that the sum will be odd?

\mathrm{(A)} \frac{1}{3} \qquad \mathrm{(B)} \frac{4}{9} \qquad \mathrm{(C)} \frac{1}{2} \qquad \mathrm{(D)} \frac{5}{9} \qqu...

Solution

For the sum to be odd, the resulting numbers must be of different parity. The probability that the first die is even and the second die is odd is \frac{1}{3}*\frac{1}{3}=\frac{1}{9} and the probability that the first die is odd and the second die is even is \frac{2}{3}*\frac{2}{3}=\frac{4}{9}. Therefore the probability that the dies have opposing parities (and consequently their sum is odd) is \frac{1}{9}+\frac{4}{9}=\frac{5}{9}\Rightarrow \boxed{\mathrm{(D)}}.

See Also

Want to learn how to tackle those tough AMC/AIME/Olympiad counting and probability problems? Check out Art of Problem Solving's Intermediate Counting & Probability by David Patrick.
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