Question:medium

If a square is divided into \( 4 \times 4 \) squares. If two squares are chosen randomly, then the probability that the squares don't share a common side is:

Updated On: Mar 19, 2026
  • \( \frac{5}{16} \)
  • \( \frac{6}{16} \)
  • \( \frac{9}{16} \)
  • \( \frac{4}{5 \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The provided square is segmented into \( 4 \times 4 = 16 \) smaller squares.Step 1: Total Combinations for Two SquaresThe total number of ways to select two squares from the 16 is calculated as:\[\binom{16}{2} = \frac{16 \times 15}{2} = 120.\]Step 2: Combinations of Adjacent SquaresTo determine pairs that do not share a side, we first count adjacent pairs.- Horizontal adjacent pairs: \( 4 \times 3 = 12 \).- Vertical adjacent pairs: \( 4 \times 3 = 12 \).- Total adjacent pairs: \( 12 + 12 = 24 \).Step 3: Combinations of Non-Adjacent SquaresThe number of ways to choose two squares without a shared side is:\[120 - 24 = 96.\]Step 4: Probability CalculationThe probability that two selected squares do not share a common side is:\[\text{Probability} = \frac{96}{120} = \frac{4}{5}.\]The final probability is \( \boxed{\frac{4}{5}} \).
Was this answer helpful?
0


Questions Asked in JEE Main exam