Animated Solution for Mathematics - Probability: Let N be the sum of the numbers appeared when two fair dice are rolled and let the probability that N−2,3N,N+2 are in geometric progression be 48k. Then the value of k is
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Visualized Solution
Defining the Variable N
Let N be the sum of numbers on two fair dice.
Condition: N−2, 3N, N+2 are in Geometric Progression (G.P.).
Probability of this event is given as 48k.
The Geometric Progression Condition
For three numbers a, b, c to be in G.P., the condition is b2=ac.
Substituting the Terms
Substitute a=N−2, b=3N, and c=N+2 into b2=ac.
Equation: (3N)2=(N−2)(N+2)
Simplifying the Equation
Simplify the left-hand side: (3N)2=3N
Simplify the right-hand side using (a−b)(a+b)=a2−b2.
(N−2)(N+2)=N2−4
Resulting equation: 3N=N2−4
Forming the Quadratic Equation
Rearrange the terms to form a standard quadratic equation.
Move 3N to the right side: N2−3N−4=0
Solving for N
Factorize the quadratic: N2−4N+N−4=0
(N−4)(N+1)=0
Possible values: N=4 or N=−1
Validating the Value of N
Recall that N is the sum of the numbers on two dice.
The minimum sum is 1+1=2, and the maximum is 6+6=12.
Therefore, 2≤N≤12.
Reject N=−1. The only valid solution is N=4.
Analyzing the Sample Space
Total number of outcomes when rolling two fair dice: n(S)=6×6=36.
Each outcome is an ordered pair (x,y) where 1≤x,y≤6.
Identifying Favorable Outcomes
We need the outcomes where the sum N=4.
Let A be the favorable event: A={(1,3),(2,2),(3,1)}
Number of favorable outcomes: n(A)=3.
Calculating the Probability
Probability of event A: P(A)=n(S)n(A)
Substitute the values: P(A)=363
Simplify the fraction: P(A)=121
Finding the Value of k
The problem states the probability is 48k.
Equate our calculated probability to the given expression: 121=48k
Solve for k: k=1248=4
Final Answer:k=4
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The Sigma Insight: Classical Definition of Probability
Solution Diagram
Analyzing the Geometric Constraint
For any three terms a, b, and c to be in a Geometric Progression (G.P.), the middle term must satisfy the condition:
b2=ac
In this problem, the terms are N−2, 3N, and N+2. Substituting these into our "Golden Key" condition, we obtain:
(3N)2=(N−2)(N+2)
Solving the Algebraic Equation
The left side simplifies to 3N, while the right side follows the difference of squares identity, resulting in N2−4. This yields the following quadratic equation:
N2−3N−4=0
Factoring the quadratic expression, we get:
(N−4)(N+1)=0
This provides two potential solutions: N=4 or N=−1.
Interpreting Physical Reality
Here lies the "JEE Trap." Since N represents the sum of two dice, the minimum possible sum is 1+1=2 and the maximum is 6+6=12.
Because N=−1 falls outside the valid range [2,12], it is physically impossible and must be discarded. We proceed strictly with N=4.
Calculating Probability
The total sample space for rolling two dice is 6×6=36. We identify the favorable outcomes (x,y) such that x+y=4:
(1,3),(2,2),(3,1)
There are exactly 3 such outcomes. The probability P is therefore:
P=363=121
Final Calculation
We are given that this probability is equal to 48k. Equating the two expressions: