Q: Three numbers are chosen from 1 to 20. Find the probability that they are not consecutive
A.
B.
C.
D.
The set has 3 consecutive nos. from 1 to 20,
Thus, it is – (1,2,3), (2,3,4), (3,4,5), …….. , (18,19,20)
Now, if we consider 3 nos. as a single digit, there will be 18 nos.
Now, choosing 3 nos. out of 20 can be done in 20C3 ways
This, n(S) = 20C3
Required event – the 3 nos. chosen must be consecutive, thus,
P (nos. are consecutive) = 18/ 30C3
Now,
P (nos. that are not consecutive) = 190 – 3/ 190 = 187 / 190
Thus, option B is the correct answer.