16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisVery hardProbability of a particular sum on two spins

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A spinner has 8 equal sections numbered 1 to 8. It is spun twice. What is the probability that the two numbers add up to 3?

Answer: 1/32

There are 64 equally likely pairs. Only (1, 2) and (2, 1) add to 3: 2/64 = 1/32.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 1/64
1/64 counts only one of the two orders.
If you answered 1/16
1/16 counts four pairs, wrongly including (3, 0) or repeats.
If you answered 3/64
3/64 counts three pairs, but 0 is not on the spinner.

More Problem-Solving and Data Analysis questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.