A fair coin has 2 distinct flat sides—one of which bears t

we have the equation:

1/p + 1/q = 72

To find consistent values for M and N, let's consider some options:

Option 1: M = 1 and N = 2
If we toss 1 fair coin, the probability of it landing faceup is 1/2. Similarly, if we toss 2 fair coins, the probability that both land faceup is (1/2) * (1/2) = 1/4. However, when we substitute these values into the equation, we get 1/1 + 1/1/4 = 1 + 4 = 5, which does not satisfy the equation.

Option 2: M = 2 and N = 4
If we toss 2 fair coins, the probability that both land faceup is (1/2) * (1/2) = 1/4. Similarly, if we toss 4 fair coins, the probability that all 4 land faceup is (1/2) * (1/2) * (1/2) * (1/2) = 1/16. Substituting these values into the equation, we have 1/1/4 + 1/1/16 = 4 + 16 = 20. This satisfies the equation 1/p + 1/q = 72.

Therefore, a consistent selection would be M = 2 and N = 4.