Two cards are drawn together at random from a 52-card deck. What is the probability that both cards are kings?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 1/221

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We draw two cards without replacement. The number of ways to choose two kings from four over the number of ways to choose any two cards yields the probability.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Deck: 52 cards; kings: 4.
  • Draw two cards simultaneously (order irrelevant).


Concept / Approach:
Use combinations: favorable = C(4,2); total = C(52,2). The ratio simplifies to a neat reduced fraction.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Favorable = C(4,2) = 6.Total = C(52,2) = 1326.Probability = 6 / 1326 = 1 / 221.


Verification / Alternative check:
Sequential multiplication: P(first king) = 4/52, P(second king | first king) = 3/51 ⇒ product = 12/2652 = 1/221. Same value.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1/15, 25/57, 35/256 arise from incorrect denominators or mixing with replacement.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that order does not matter in combinations, or not reducing the fraction fully.


Final Answer:
1/221

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