Question

Which of the following can not be the probability of an event?

• A. \(\frac{39}{100}\)
• B. \(\frac{0.001}{20}\)
• C. \(\frac{10}{0.2}\)
• D. \(10\%\)

Hint:

In probability questions, if you see a numerator larger than the denominator (after simplifying), that value is always invalid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine which of the given options cannot be the probability of an event, we need to understand the concept of probability.

The probability of an event is defined as a number between 0 and 1 (inclusive). Therefore, any value below 0 or above 1 cannot be a probability. Let's analyze each option:

1.  \(\frac{39}{100}\):
   • This fraction is equal to 0.39.
   • Since 0.39 is between 0 and 1, it is a valid probability.
2. \(\frac{0.001}{20}\):
   • Calculating this fraction gives us \(0.00005\).
   • Since 0.00005 is between 0 and 1, it is a valid probability.
3. \(\frac{10}{0.2}\):
   • This fraction is equal to 50.
   • Since 50 is greater than 1, it cannot be a probability.
4. \(10\%\):
   • 10% can be converted to a decimal, which is 0.1.
   • Since 0.1 is between 0 and 1, it is a valid probability.

Based on the above analysis, the value \(\frac{10}{0.2}\) equals 50, which is greater than 1. Therefore, it cannot be the probability of an event.

Thus, the correct answer is \(\frac{10}{0.2}\).