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2021 Fall AMC 10A Problem 9

Problem 9 of 25EasierNumber TheoryCounting & Probability

When a certain unfair die is rolled, an even number is 33 times as likely to appear as an odd number. The die is rolled twice. What is the probability that the sum of the numbers rolled is even?

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Solution

Let pp be the probability that an odd number is rolled. Then 3p3p is the probability an even number is rolled. We know that p+3p=1p=14. p + 3p = 1 \Rightarrow p = \dfrac{1}{4}. The only way for the sum to be even is if both rolls have the same parity. This happens with a probability of 142+342=1016=58. \dfrac{1}{4}^2 + \dfrac{3}{4}^2 = \dfrac{10}{16} = \dfrac{5}{8}. Thus, E is the correct answer.

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Concepts: dice (probability) · parity · independent events

Problem text and solution from the LIVE past-contest archive. See also the AoPS wiki page for community solutions.