Question

todd forgot the first two numbers of his locker combination. the numbers can be any number 1 through 6. what is the probability that he will guess the first number correctly and the second number incorrectly?
a. 5/36
b. 1/36
c. 5/36
d. 1/2

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the probability of guessing the first number correctly

The probability of guessing the first number correctly is $\frac{1}{6}$ since there are 6 possible numbers (1 - 6) and only 1 correct number.

Step2: Calculate the probability of guessing the second number incorrectly

The probability of guessing the second number incorrectly is $\frac{5}{6}$ since there are 6 possible numbers and 5 incorrect numbers.

Step3: Use the multiplication rule for independent events

Since the two guesses are independent events, the probability that the first number is correct and the second is incorrect is $P=\frac{1}{6}\times\frac{5}{6}=\frac{5}{36}$.

Answer:

C. $\frac{5}{36}$