Difference between revisions of "2019 AIME I Problems/Problem 2"

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Realize that by symmetry, the desired probability is equal to the probability that <math>J - B</math> is at most <math>-2</math>, which is <math>\frac{1-P}{2}</math> where <math>P</math> is the probability that <math>B</math> and <math>J</math> differ by 1 (no zero, because the two numbers are distinct). There are <math>20 * 19 = 380</math> total possible combinations of <math>B</math> and <math>J</math>, and <math>1 + 18 * 2 + 1 = 38</math> ones that form <math>P</math>, so <math>P = \frac{38}{380} = \frac{1}{10}</math>. Therefore the answer is <math>\frac{9}{20} \rightarrow \boxed{029}</math>.
 
Realize that by symmetry, the desired probability is equal to the probability that <math>J - B</math> is at most <math>-2</math>, which is <math>\frac{1-P}{2}</math> where <math>P</math> is the probability that <math>B</math> and <math>J</math> differ by 1 (no zero, because the two numbers are distinct). There are <math>20 * 19 = 380</math> total possible combinations of <math>B</math> and <math>J</math>, and <math>1 + 18 * 2 + 1 = 38</math> ones that form <math>P</math>, so <math>P = \frac{38}{380} = \frac{1}{10}</math>. Therefore the answer is <math>\frac{9}{20} \rightarrow \boxed{029}</math>.
  
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==Solution 2==
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This problem is basically asking how many ways there are to choose 2 distinct elements from a 20 element set such that no 2 elements are adjacent. Using the well-known formula <math>\dbinom{n-k+1}{k}</math>, there are <math>\dbinom{20-2+1}{2} = \dbinom{19}{2} = 171</math> ways. Dividing 171 by 380, our desired probability is <math>\frac{171}{380} = \frac{9}{20}</math>. Thus, our answer is <math>9+20=29</math>.
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-Fidgetboss_4000
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
 
{{AIME box|year=2019|n=I|num-b=1|num-a=3}}
 
{{AIME box|year=2019|n=I|num-b=1|num-a=3}}
 
{{MAA Notice}}
 
{{MAA Notice}}

Revision as of 20:30, 14 March 2019

Problem 2

Jenn randomly chooses a number $J$ from $1, 2, 3,\ldots, 19, 20$. Bela then randomly chooses a number $B$ from $1, 2, 3,\ldots, 19, 20$ distinct from $J$. The value of $B - J$ is at least $2$ with a probability that can be expressed in the form $\frac{m}{n}$ where $m$ and $n$ are relatively prime positive integers. Find $m+n$.

Solution

Realize that by symmetry, the desired probability is equal to the probability that $J - B$ is at most $-2$, which is $\frac{1-P}{2}$ where $P$ is the probability that $B$ and $J$ differ by 1 (no zero, because the two numbers are distinct). There are $20 * 19 = 380$ total possible combinations of $B$ and $J$, and $1 + 18 * 2 + 1 = 38$ ones that form $P$, so $P = \frac{38}{380} = \frac{1}{10}$. Therefore the answer is $\frac{9}{20} \rightarrow \boxed{029}$.

Solution 2

This problem is basically asking how many ways there are to choose 2 distinct elements from a 20 element set such that no 2 elements are adjacent. Using the well-known formula $\dbinom{n-k+1}{k}$, there are $\dbinom{20-2+1}{2} = \dbinom{19}{2} = 171$ ways. Dividing 171 by 380, our desired probability is $\frac{171}{380} = \frac{9}{20}$. Thus, our answer is $9+20=29$. -Fidgetboss_4000

See Also

2019 AIME I (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 1
Followed by
Problem 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
All AIME Problems and Solutions

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