2021 AMC 10A Fall Problem 9

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 9 of the 2021 AMC 10A Fall, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2021 AMC 10A Fall solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:dice (probability)parityindependent events

Difficulty rating: 900

9.

When a certain unfair die is rolled, an even number is 33 times as likely to appear as an odd number. The die is rolled twice. What is the probability that the sum of the numbers rolled is even?

38\dfrac{3}{8}

49\dfrac{4}{9}

59\dfrac{5}{9}

916\dfrac{9}{16}

58\dfrac{5}{8}

Solution:

Let pp be the probability that an odd number is rolled. Then 3p3p is the probability an even number is rolled. We know that p+3p=1p=14. p + 3p = 1 \Rightarrow p = \dfrac{1}{4}.

The only way for the sum to be even is if both rolls have the same parity. This happens with a probability of 142+342=1016=58. \dfrac{1}{4}^2 + \dfrac{3}{4}^2 = \dfrac{10}{16} = \dfrac{5}{8}.

Thus, E is the correct answer.

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