From the word PROBABILITY (11 letters), one letter is chosen uniformly at random. What is the probability that the chosen letter is a vowel?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 4/11

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We select one character uniformly from a word and ask for the chance it is a vowel. Repetitions matter in counting because each occurrence is a distinct favourable outcome.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Word: PROBABILITY.
  • Total letters = 11.
  • Vowels among English letters: a, e, i, o, u.


Concept / Approach:
Count total characters and the number of vowel occurrences (including duplicates). Probability = vowel count / 11.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Letters with multiplicities: P(1), R(1), O(1), B(2), A(1), I(2), L(1), T(1), Y(1).Vowels present (with counts): A(1), O(1), I(2) → 4 vowels.Probability = 4/11.



Verification / Alternative check:
Consonant count = 7; 4 + 7 = 11 confirms total.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
3/11 or 2/11 undercount vowel multiplicities; 0 ignores vowels entirely.



Common Pitfalls:
Counting distinct vowel types instead of occurrences; duplicates (I appears twice) must be included.



Final Answer:
4/11

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