Single draw from a 52-card deck. What is the probability of drawing a king or a queen?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 2/13

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We seek the probability that a single draw yields either a king or a queen.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Kings = 4.
  • Queens = 4.
  • Total favorable = 8; deck size = 52.


Concept / Approach:
Events K and Q are disjoint in one draw, so P(K ∪ Q) = P(K) + P(Q) = 4/52 + 4/52.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Probability = 8/52 = 2/13.



Verification / Alternative check:
Simplify 8/52 by dividing by 4 to obtain 2/13.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1/26 counts only one rank; 1/13 is for a specific named rank; 3/26 is 6/52, undercounting.



Common Pitfalls:
Accidentally including jacks or aces; double-counting is not an issue here because the sets are disjoint.



Final Answer:
2/13

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