Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

-- Mathematics - Section B1

Chapter

Probability

Question:

Let A be a set consisting of n elements. The probability of selecting two subsets P and Q of set A such that Q = $\overline{P}$ is

Options:

$\frac{1}{2}$

$\frac{1}{2^n-1}$

$\frac{1}{2^n}$

$\frac{1}{3^n}$

Correct Answer:

$\frac{1}{2^n-1}$

Explanation:

The set A has $2^n$ elements. Therefore, two subsets P and Q can be chosen in ${^{2n}C}_2$ ways.

Suppose P consists of r elements. Then, P can be chosen in ${^nC}_r$.

Since, $Q = \overline{P}$. Therefore, P and Q can be chosen in ${^nC}_r$ ways. But, r can vary from 0 to n and P and Q can be interchanged also.

∴ Number of ways of selecting P and Q such that $Q = \overline{P}$ is 

$\frac{1}{2}\sum\limits^{n}_{r=0} {^nC}_r= 2^{n-1}$

Hence, required probability $=\frac{2^n-1}{^{2n}C_2}=\frac{1}{2^n-1}$