16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyProbability from equally likely outcomes

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A spinner has 8 equal sections numbered 1 through 8. What is the probability that a single spin lands on a number greater than 5?

  1. A. 3/8Correct
  2. B. 5/8
  3. C. 1/2
  4. D. 3/5

Answer: A. 3/8

The numbers greater than 5 are 6, 7 and 8 — three of the eight equally likely sections. Probability = 3/8.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 5/8
5/8 is the probability of landing on 5 or LESS (1 through 5). 'Greater than 5' excludes 5 itself.
C. 1/2
1/2 would be 4 favourable sections. There are only three numbers above 5 on a 1–8 spinner.
D. 3/5
3/5 puts 5 in the denominator, but there are 8 equally likely sections in total.

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