2004 · Q43
43. A letter is taken out at random from the word 'ASSAM' and a letter is taken out at random from the word 'NAGALAND'. What is the probability that the two letters are the same?
MathematicsProbability
- A1/20
- B3/20
- C1/40
- D31/40
Explanation
The two words share only the letter A: ASSAM has A twice (2/5) and NAGALAND has A three times (3/8); the other letters (S, M in ASSAM; N, G, L, D in NAGALAND) do not overlap. The probability both drawn letters are the same is therefore (2/5) × (3/8) = 6/40 = 3/20.