Divisibility Probability of Randomly Selected Natural Numbers

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability that a randomly selected natural number from the first 120 natural numbers is not divisible by 3, 4, or 6, but is divisible by either 2 or 5. Participants are exploring the implications of these conditions on the probability calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to define the relevant sets and their probabilities, questioning the redundancy of the conditions regarding divisibility by 3 and 6. There is also an exploration of how to combine probabilities of different events, particularly focusing on the union and intersection of sets.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the redundancy of certain conditions, while others are re-evaluating their calculations in light of this feedback. There is an ongoing examination of the steps taken to arrive at the probability, with indications that further clarification or correction may be needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem as posed, specifically focusing on the first 120 natural numbers and the specified divisibility conditions. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to rigorously define the problem and the challenges posed by the conditions involved.

Alexsandro
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Could Someone help with this question ?

What is the probability that a number of the set [itex]\Omega[/itex], first 120 natural numbers {1,2,3, ... , 120}, picked at random is not divisible by any of the number 3, 4, 6 but is divisible by 2 or 5 ?

Thanks
 
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To make this rgorous you wuld need a uniform probability measure on the natrual numbers. none such exists.

however, the next best thing is this: suppose that you pick at random with uniform prob from the set {1,..,N} what are the chances.

Notice the redundancy of your requirements: if a number is not divisible by 3 it is certainly not divisible by 6.

roughly 1/2 are divisible by 2, 1/5 by 5 and how many by both? now think about those that are not divisible be 3 and 4.
 
matt grime said:
To make this rgorous you wuld need a uniform probability measure on the natrual numbers. none such exists.

however, the next best thing is this: suppose that you pick at random with uniform prob from the set {1,..,N} what are the chances.

Notice the redundancy of your requirements: if a number is not divisible by 3 it is certainly not divisible by 6.

roughly 1/2 are divisible by 2, 1/5 by 5 and how many by both? now think about those that are not divisible be 3 and 4.

___________
So, I am going to show as I answered to this question.

Consider the events and [itex]\Omega[/itex] = {1,2,3, ..., 120}, natural numbers:
A = {integers which are divisible by 3}, with P(A) = 1/3;
B = {integers which are divisible by 4}, with P(B) = 1/4;
C = {integers which are divisible by 6}, with P(C) = 1/6;
D = {integers which are divisible by 2}, with P(D) = 1/2;
E = {integers which are divisible by 5}, with P(E) = 1/5.

I need to find the probability of the set: [itex]A^cB^cC^c(D \cup E)[/itex].
Let [itex]A^cB^cC^c(D \cup E)[/itex] = [itex](A^cB^cC^cD) \cup (A^cB^cC^cE)[/itex].

and

[itex](A^cB^cC^cD) \cap (A^cB^cC^cE) = (A^cB^cC^cDE) = DE - ABCDE.[/itex]

then

[itex]P(A^cB^cC^cDE)[/itex] = P(DE) - P(ABCDE) = 1/10 - 1/60 = 1/12.
P(DE) = 1/10;
P(ABCDE) = 1/60.

and

[itex]P(A^cB^cC^cD)[/itex] = P(D) - P(ABCD) = 1/2 - 1/12 = 5/12.
[itex]P(A^cB^cC^cE)[/itex] = P(E) - P(ABCE) = 1/5 - 1/60 = 11/60.

=>

[itex](A^cB^cC^cD) \cup (A^cB^cC^cE)[/itex] = [itex]P(A^cB^cC^cD)[/itex] + [itex]P(A^cB^cC^cE)[/itex] - [itex]P(A^cB^cC^cDE)[/itex] = 5/12 + 11/60 - 1/12 = 31/60

However, the right answer is 14/60. I committed some error? Where I can have wrong
 
Haven't looked through your working but shouldn't you neglect the "not divisible by 6" condition ? If a number is not divisible by 3, it won't be divisible by 6. That is redundant.

Edit : just noticed this was already pointed out by matt.
 
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I didn't neglect the redundance

Gokul43201 said:
Haven't looked through your working but shouldn't you neglect the "not divisible by 6" condition ? If a number is not divisible by 3, it won't be divisible by 6. That is redundant.

Edit : just noticed this was already pointed out by matt.

__________
I know that. I didn't neglect this redundance. The result is the same, not neglecting the redundance. I redo the calculus. But there is something wrong that I didn't find out yet.
 

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