High School

Select the correct answer.

A restaurant has a total of 60 tables. Of those tables, 38 are round, and 13 are located by the window. There are 6 round tables by the window. If tables are randomly assigned to customers, what is the probability that a customer will be seated at a round table or by the window?

A. [tex]\frac{45}{60}[/tex]
B. [tex]\frac{29}{60}[/tex]
C. [tex]\frac{47}{60}[/tex]
D. [tex]\frac{41}{60}[/tex]

Answer :

To solve this problem, we need to determine the probability that a customer will be seated at either a round table or a table by the window. Here's how to do it step by step:

1. Identify Total Tables: The restaurant has a total of 60 tables.

2. Identify Round Tables: There are 38 round tables.

3. Identify Tables by the Window: There are 13 tables located by the window.

4. Identify Overlap (Round and by the Window): There are 6 tables that are both round and located by the window.

5. Use the Inclusion-Exclusion Principle: To find the total number of tables that are either round or by the window, use the formula:

[tex]\[
\text{Tables that are either round or by the window} = (\text{Round Tables}) + (\text{Window Tables}) - (\text{Round and Window Tables})
\][/tex]

Substitute the given values:

[tex]\[
= 38 + 13 - 6 = 45
\][/tex]

6. Calculate the Probability: The probability that a customer will be seated at a round table or by the window is the number of favorable tables divided by the total number of tables.

[tex]\[
\text{Probability} = \frac{45}{60}
\][/tex]

7. Simplify if Necessary: The fraction [tex]\(\frac{45}{60}\)[/tex] simplifies to [tex]\(\frac{3}{4}\)[/tex], but since the options provide [tex]\(\frac{45}{60}\)[/tex], we use it as it is to match the choices given.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A: [tex]\(\frac{45}{60}\)[/tex].