2011 AMC 8 Problem 12

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 12 of the 2011 AMC 8, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2011 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:basic probabilitycircular arrangements

Difficulty rating: 960

12.

Angie, Bridget, Carlos, and Diego are seated at random around a square table, one person to a side. What is the probability that Angie and Carlos are seated opposite each other?

14\dfrac{1}{4}

13\dfrac{1}{3}

12\dfrac{1}{2}

23\dfrac{2}{3}

34\dfrac{3}{4}

Solution:

Consider that Angie's seat is chosen. Carlos has an equal probability of being in any of the other 33 seats. Only one of them is opposite Angie, however. Therefore, the probability is 13.\dfrac{1}{3}.

Thus, B is the correct answer.

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