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We choose a positive divisor of 20^{20} at random (with all divisors equally likely to be chosen). What is the probability that we chose a multiple of 5?

 May 22, 2025
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Firstly, let's prime factorize 2020:

2020=(4×5)20=240×520

 

When we choose a factor of 2020, we are choosing a number of the form 2a×5b, where 0a40 and 0b20.

Since all divisors are equally likely to be chosen, a and b are randomized within their ranges.

 

If our factor is a multiple of 5, then we have b1. Otherwise, b=0, and our factor is not a multiple of 5.

Therefore, the probability that our factor is a multiple of 5 is the probability that b1.

There are 21 numbers between 0 and 20 inclusive, and there are 20 numbers from 1 to 20 inclusive, our answer is 2021.

 May 22, 2025

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