Math Problem Statement

As shown above, a classic deck of cards is made up of 52 cards, 26 are black, 26 are red. Each color is split into two suits of 13 cards each (clubs and spades are black and hearts and diamonds are red). Each suit is split into 13 individual cards (Ace, 2-10, Jack, Queen, and King). Leave answers as reduced fractions. If a card is randomly selected, what is the probability of drawing a(n) 4 of one suit?

If a card is randomly selected, what is the probability of drawing heart or spade?

If a card is randomly selected, what is the probability of drawing a number smaller than 4 (counting the ace as a 1)?

Solution

Let's tackle each of the probability questions one by one.

1. Probability of drawing a 4 of one suit

A deck of cards has 52 cards in total, and there is exactly one 4 in each of the four suits (clubs, spades, hearts, diamonds). Therefore, there are only 4 cards in the deck that are a 4, one for each suit.

  • Total number of favorable outcomes: 1 (for a specific suit, say 4 of hearts)
  • Total possible outcomes: 52

Thus, the probability is:

P(4 of one suit)=152P(\text{4 of one suit}) = \frac{1}{52}

2. Probability of drawing a heart or spade

A deck has 13 hearts and 13 spades (total 26 cards that are either hearts or spades).

  • Total number of favorable outcomes: 13 (hearts) + 13 (spades) = 26
  • Total possible outcomes: 52

Thus, the probability is:

P(heart or spade)=2652=12P(\text{heart or spade}) = \frac{26}{52} = \frac{1}{2}

3. Probability of drawing a number smaller than 4 (Ace as 1)

The numbers smaller than 4 are Ace (1), 2, and 3. Each suit has one of these cards, so there are 3 cards per suit across 4 suits.

  • Total number of favorable outcomes: 3 cards (Ace, 2, 3) × 4 suits = 12
  • Total possible outcomes: 52

Thus, the probability is:

P(number smaller than 4)=1252=313P(\text{number smaller than 4}) = \frac{12}{52} = \frac{3}{13}


Let me know if you need further details or clarifications. Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What is the probability of drawing a face card (Jack, Queen, or King)?
  2. What is the probability of drawing a red card?
  3. What is the probability of drawing a card that is a diamond or a king?
  4. What is the probability of drawing a card that is not a face card?
  5. What is the probability of drawing a spade or a card less than 5?

Tip: Remember to always reduce fractions when presenting probabilities!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Combinatorics

Formulas

P(event) = (Number of favorable outcomes) / (Total possible outcomes)

Theorems

Basic Probability Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8