Math Problem Statement

on a throw of two dice, what is the probability of obtaining a sum that is at most 4

Solution

To determine the probability of obtaining a sum of at most 4 on a throw of two dice:

Step 1: Total possible outcomes

Each die has 6 faces, so the total number of outcomes when throwing two dice is: 6×6=366 \times 6 = 36

Step 2: Favorable outcomes (sum ≤ 4)

The pairs of dice rolls that give a sum of at most 4 are:

  • Sum = 2: (1, 1)
  • Sum = 3: (1, 2), (2, 1)
  • Sum = 4: (1, 3), (2, 2), (3, 1)

This gives a total of: 1+2+3=6 favorable outcomes.1 + 2 + 3 = 6 \text{ favorable outcomes.}

Step 3: Calculate the probability

The probability of obtaining a sum of at most 4 is: P(sum ≤ 4)=Number of favorable outcomesTotal outcomes=636=16.P(\text{sum ≤ 4}) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total outcomes}} = \frac{6}{36} = \frac{1}{6}.

Final Answer:

The probability of obtaining a sum of at most 4 is: 16\boxed{\frac{1}{6}}

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Related Questions:

  1. What is the probability of obtaining a sum of exactly 7 when rolling two dice?
  2. How many outcomes result in a sum greater than 8 when rolling two dice?
  3. What is the probability of rolling doubles on two dice?
  4. How many outcomes result in a sum of exactly 10 when rolling two dice?
  5. What is the probability of obtaining a sum less than 6 on two dice?

Tip:

When solving probability problems, always consider breaking the problem into favorable outcomes and total possible outcomes for clarity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Combinatorics
Basic Arithmetic

Formulas

Probability formula: P(Event) = Number of favorable outcomes / Total possible outcomes

Theorems

Basic probability principles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8