When an unbiased six-faced die is tossed, what is the probability that the outcome is a composite number?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 1/3

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The sample space for a single fair die roll is {1,2,3,4,5,6}. We classify which outcomes are composite and compute the probability accordingly.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Composite numbers have more than two positive divisors.
  • 1 is neither prime nor composite.


Concept / Approach:
Identify composite outcomes, count them, and divide by 6.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6.Composite among these: 4 (2*2) and 6 (2*3).Count = 2; probability = 2/6 = 1/3.



Verification / Alternative check:
Prime outcomes: 2,3,5 (3 outcomes). 3 primes + 2 composites + 1 neither = 6 total.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1/2 would require 3 composites; 1/4 would require only 1 composite; 1 is impossible for a proper subset event.



Common Pitfalls:
Including 1 as composite or missing that 4 and 6 are the only composites on a standard die.



Final Answer:
1/3

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