A number is chosen uniformly at random from {1, 2, 3, …, 50}. What is the probability that the chosen number is prime?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 0.30

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Prime-counting over a small range is straightforward by enumeration or recalling standard lists up to 50. Probability equals (number of primes up to 50)/50 for uniform selection from 1–50.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sample space: integers 1 through 50 (size 50).
  • Primes in this range are to be counted exactly once.


Concept / Approach:

  • List primes ≤ 50.
  • Compute probability = count / 50.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Primes ≤ 50: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47 (15 numbers)Probability = 15 / 50 = 3 / 10 = 0.30


Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-check by excluding composites and 1; the remaining count remains 15, a standard fact set for small prime tables.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 0.18, 0.24, 0.36 reflect incorrect prime counts.
  • “None of these” is wrong because 0.30 is correct.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Forgetting that 1 is not prime and that 49 (= 7^2) is composite.


Final Answer:
0.30

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