Quantitative Literacy Practice Exam

When rolling a standard die, what is the probability of rolling a number less than 5?

1. 1/6

2. 1/3

3. 2/3

4. 4/6

The correct answer is: 2/3

To determine the probability of rolling a number less than 5 on a standard six-sided die, we first identify the total possible outcomes and the favorable outcomes for this event. A standard die has numbers ranging from 1 to 6, making a total of 6 possible outcomes: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}. The numbers that are less than 5 in this range are 1, 2, 3, and 4. Therefore, there are 4 favorable outcomes (1, 2, 3, and 4) that satisfy the condition of being less than 5. To calculate the probability, we use the formula: Probability = (Number of Favorable Outcomes) / (Total Possible Outcomes) Substituting in the numbers we have: Probability = 4 (favorable outcomes) / 6 (total outcomes) = 4/6. This fraction can be simplified to 2/3, which indicates that there is a two-thirds chance of rolling a number less than 5 on a standard die. Thus, the correct answer reflects this probability.