How can I create equal probability of rolling specific sums with two dice?

[Mainewriter]

Homework Statement

Given two unmarked, cubic dice and using the set of whole numbers, place numbers on each die such that only the following sums can be thrown: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and the probability of rolling each sum is the same.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

If I have one die with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) and one with odd (3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13) it works up to number 25...but not 27. And I am lost on how the probability of each sum is the same.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

MW

 

[D H]

There are 12 different sums and 36 ways to roll a pair of dice (counting duplicates). If the probability of rolling each sum is the same, how many ways must exist for rolling each sum?

 

[Mainewriter]

There are 12 different sums and 36 ways to roll a pair of dice (counting duplicates). If the probability of rolling each sum is the same, how many ways must exist for rolling each sum?

That is exactly my confusion. With the dice set up as I described, there is a 1/36 chance of rolling a five but 6/36 of rolling a 15. I don't understand how there could be the same probability for all numbers.

MW

 

[D H]

The dice setup as you described is incorrect since (a) it doesn't obtain all of the desired sums and (b) it does not have the same probability for each sum. You have to try something different.

This might help: Instead of hitting 5, 7, 9, ..., 25, 27 with equal probabilities, try to find some arrangement that hits 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 (just 6 sums instead of 12) with equal probabilities. Now see how you can change this solution to meet the original problem.

 

[D H]

If the above hint doesn't help, try to find some arrangement such that the sum is 5, and nothing else. You always roll fives.

 

[Mainewriter]

If one die has a constant and the other die has the appropriate numbers, ie,

the constant die has 0 and the other die could have 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15
or the constant die has 1 and the other has 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14

Am I on the right track? But I still get confused with 2 dice and 12 sums because how could you have a constant?

MW

 

[D H]

Just because the number on one die cannot all be the same number to yield 12 different sumes does not mean they have to be all different numbers.

 

[Mainewriter]

Ah...so if one die had 0, 0, 0 and 12, 12, 12 and the other die had 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 it would work. Every solution has the same probability of 1/12.

Is there a formula for this?

MW

 

[D H]

Not that I know of.

BTW, there are an infinite number of solutions assuming "whole number" means "integer". Ignoring different ways to label one die, and if "whole number" means the non-negative integers, there are but six solutions.

 

[Mainewriter]

Eureka!

One die would have the combinations: 0, 12; 1, 13; 2, 14; 3, 15; 4, 16; 5, 17 with the other die descending in the proper increments that 5 and 27 and always the beginning and ending points (ie, the last one would be 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10).

So I am a little slow but finally the light bulb shined for me! LOL

Thanks for your help,

MW

 

[D H]

Your'e welcome.

A homework helper can mark this one as SOLVED.