Math Problem Statement

you roll a six sided die, what is the probability of rolling an even number or less than 4? Answer as a reduced fraction in the form a/b

Solution

The possible outcomes of a six-sided die are {1,2,3,4,5,6}\{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\}.

  1. Event A: Rolling an even number.

    • The even numbers on a six-sided die are {2,4,6}\{2, 4, 6\}.
    • So, P(A)=36=12P(A) = \frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{2}.
  2. Event B: Rolling a number less than 4.

    • The numbers less than 4 are {1,2,3}\{1, 2, 3\}.
    • So, P(B)=36=12P(B) = \frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{2}.
  3. Intersection of A and B: Rolling a number that is both even and less than 4.

    • The only outcome that is both even and less than 4 is {2}\{2\}.
    • So, P(AB)=16P(A \cap B) = \frac{1}{6}.

To find P(AB)P(A \cup B), we use the formula for the probability of the union of two events: P(AB)=P(A)+P(B)P(AB)P(A \cup B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A \cap B)

Substituting in the values: P(AB)=12+1216=36+3616=56P(A \cup B) = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{3}{6} + \frac{3}{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{5}{6}

Thus, the probability of rolling an even number or a number less than 4 is: 56\frac{5}{6}

Would you like to explore further details on probability calculations or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the probability of rolling an odd number or a number greater than 3?
  2. If you roll two dice, what is the probability that both show even numbers?
  3. What is the probability of rolling a prime number on a six-sided die?
  4. How does the probability change if you roll a die with more than six sides?
  5. What is the probability of rolling a 2 or 5 on a six-sided die?

Tip: To calculate the probability of "either/or" events, remember to subtract the intersection if there's overlap between the two events.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Set Theory
Union of Events
Intersection of Events

Formulas

P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A ∩ B)
Basic probability formula: P(event) = favorable outcomes / total outcomes

Theorems

Probability of Union of Two Events

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8