2016 AMC 10A Problem 12

Attempt Problem 12 of the 2016 AMC 10A below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2016 AMC 10A solutions, or check the answer key.

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12.

Three distinct integers are selected at random between 11 and 2016,2016, inclusive. Which of the following is a correct statement about the probability pp that the product of the three integers is odd?

p<18p \lt \dfrac{1}{8}

p=18p = \dfrac{1}{8}

18<p<13\dfrac{1}{8} \lt p \lt \dfrac{1}{3}

p=13p = \dfrac{1}{3}

p>13p \gt \dfrac{1}{3}

Answer: A
Concepts:basic probabilityparitysampling without replacement
Difficulty rating: 1140
Solution:

The product is odd exactly when all three selected integers are odd. There are 10081008 odd and 10081008 even integers from 11 to 20162016.

Because the integers are selected without replacement, p=100820161007201510062014.p=\frac{1008}{2016}\cdot\frac{1007}{2015}\cdot\frac{1006}{2014}. The first factor is 12\frac12, and each of the next two factors is slightly less than 12\frac12. Therefore p<18p<\frac18.

Thus, the correct answer is A.

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