Question:

If \(x\) is chosen at random from the set \(\{1,2,3,4\}\) and \(y\) is chosen at random from the set \(\{5,6,7\}\), then the probability that \(xy\) will be even is

Show Hint

A product is odd only when all multiplying numbers are odd. Use the complement method to simplify such probability problems.
Updated On: Jun 15, 2026
  • \(\dfrac{5}{6}\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{6}\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{2}\)
  • \(\dfrac{2}{3}\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Find total possible outcomes.
Set for \(x\) is
\[ \{1,2,3,4\} \] which contains \(4\) elements.
Set for \(y\) is
\[ \{5,6,7\} \] which contains \(3\) elements.
Therefore, total possible ordered pairs are
\[ 4\times3=12 \]

Step 2: Understand when \(xy\) is even.
The product \(xy\) is even if at least one of \(x\) or \(y\) is even.
Instead of counting directly, count the complement event.
\[ xy \text{ is odd} \] only when both \(x\) and \(y\) are odd.

Step 3: Count odd values.
Odd elements in \(\{1,2,3,4\}\):
\[ 1,3 \] So, number of odd choices for \(x\) is \(2\).
Odd elements in \(\{5,6,7\}\):
\[ 5,7 \] So, number of odd choices for \(y\) is \(2\).
Hence, number of outcomes where \(xy\) is odd:
\[ 2\times2=4 \]

Step 4: Find the probability.
Number of outcomes where \(xy\) is even:
\[ 12-4=8 \]
Therefore, required probability is
\[ \frac{8}{12} \]
\[ =\frac23 \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Hence, the probability that \(xy\) is even is
\[ \boxed{\frac23} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0