Question:medium

The probability that the sum of two integers $m$ and $n$, where $m, n \in \{1, 2, \dots, 50\}$, chosen randomly and independently, being divisible by 3 is

Show Hint

If the set of numbers was a perfect multiple of 3 (e.g. 51 elements), the probability would be exactly $\frac{1}{3} \approx 0.3333$.
Since we have slightly more elements in $R_1$ and $R_2$ than in $R_0$, the probability is slightly higher than $\frac{1}{3}$. This immediately eliminates options B and C.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • 0.3336
  • 0.3332
  • 0.3333
  • 0.3338
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Sort the numbers by remainder when divided by 3.
Each number from $1$ to $50$ leaves remainder $0$, $1$, or $2$ on division by 3. The sum $m + n$ is a multiple of 3 only in these cases: both remainders are $0$, or one is $1$ and the other is $2$.

Step 2: Count how many numbers fall in each remainder group.
Remainder $0$ (the multiples of 3: $3, 6, \dots, 48$): there are $16$ of them. Remainder $1$ ($1, 4, \dots, 49$): $17$ of them. Remainder $2$ ($2, 5, \dots, 50$): $17$ of them. Total $16 + 17 + 17 = 50$.

Step 3: Turn counts into probabilities.
$P(\text{rem } 0) = \frac{16}{50}$, $P(\text{rem } 1) = \frac{17}{50}$, $P(\text{rem } 2) = \frac{17}{50}$.

Step 4: Probability both have remainder 0.
Since the picks are independent, this is $\frac{16}{50} \cdot \frac{16}{50} = \frac{256}{2500}$.

Step 5: Probability remainders are 1 and 2 in either order.
This is $2 \cdot \frac{17}{50} \cdot \frac{17}{50} = \frac{578}{2500}$.

Step 6: Add and simplify.
Total favourable probability $= \frac{256 + 578}{2500} = \frac{834}{2500} = 0.3336$.
\[ \boxed{0.3336} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0


Questions Asked in NEST exam