What is the probability of selecting a number divisible by..

Expert replies

AAPL: Moderator; Posts: 2632; Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 2:08 pmFollowed by: 2 members

by AAPL » Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:21 pm

What is the probability of selecting a number divisible by three from a set of five consecutive even numbers?

A. 2/3
B. 1/2
C. 1/4
D. 1/5
E. It cannot be determined from the information given.

The OA is E.

Why that is the correct question?

For example, if I take the numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, in this case the probability of selecting a number divisible by 3 is, 1/5, right?

Experts, can you assist me with this PS question, please?

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:21 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

Brent@GMATPrepNow: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 16207; Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pmFollowed by: 1268 members; Location: Vancouver, BC; Thanked: 5254 times; GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Dec 03, 2017 2:49 pm

AAPL wrote:What is the probability of selecting a number divisible by three from a set of five consecutive even numbers?

A. 2/3
B. 1/2
C. 1/4
D. 1/5
E. It cannot be determined from the information given.

The OA is E.

Why that is the correct question?

For example, if I take the numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, in this case the probability of selecting a number divisible by 3 is, 1/5, right?

Experts, can you assist me with this PS question, please?

You are correct.
IF the 5 even numbers are {2, 4, 6, 8, 10} then 6 is the only number that's divisible by 3.
So, P(select even) = 1/5

However, if the 5 even numbers are {6, 8, 10, 12, 14} then 6 and 12 are both divisible by 3.
So, P(select even) = 2/5

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent

Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Scott@TargetTestPrep: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 8138; Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 amFollowed by: 29 members; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 43 times

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Sat Oct 12, 2019 3:53 pm

AAPL wrote:What is the probability of selecting a number divisible by three from a set of five consecutive even numbers?

A. 2/3
B. 1/2
C. 1/4
D. 1/5
E. It cannot be determined from the information given.

If the 5 consecutive even numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, then the probability of selecting a multiple of 3 is 1/5. However, if the numbers are 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, then the probability is 2/5. Therefore, it cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer: E

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review