Solution
Related Formula
P(Event) = 1 - P(Complement of Event)Core Logic
For the product ab to be divisible by 3, at least one of the numbers a or b must be a multiple of 3.
It is easier to find the probability of the complement event: neither a nor b is a multiple of 3.
Step 1: Counting Favorable vs Total Outcomes
Total numbers = 50. Number of multiples of 3 in the set 1, 2, …, 50 is (50)/(3) = 16.
Numbers that are NOT multiples of 3 = 50 - 16 = 34.
The probability that both chosen numbers are NOT multiples of 3 is the number of ways to choose 2 numbers from the 34, divided by the total ways to choose 2 numbers from 50:
P(Not divisible by 3) = ³⁴C₂⁵⁰C₂ ³⁴C₂ = (34 × 33)/(2) = 561 ⁵⁰C₂ = (50 × 49)/(2) = 1225Step 2: Final Probability
Required probability P(ab is divisible by 3) = 1 - P(Not divisible by 3)
P = 1 - (561)/(1225) = (1225 - 561)/(1225) = (664)/(1225)Pattern Recognition
Whenever a probability question asks for 'at least one' condition (like a product being divisible by a prime), always use the complement rule: 1 - P(none). It transforms a complex multi-case problem into a single combination calculation.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Maths: Probability Class 11 Maths: Permutations and Combinations