Question

Choose one of the 50 states at random. a.) what is the probability that it begins with M?

Answer 1

List of U.S states that start with M:

1.Maine
2.Maryland
3.Massachusetts
4.Michigan
5.Minnesota
6.Mississippi
7.Missouri
8.Montana

There are 8 states that start with the letter "M".
There are 50 states so the probability/ratio is 8:50 or
`(8)/(50)`

But to reduce to lowest terms, you need to find a common factor.
2 is a common factor.

Divide both sides by 2. 8÷2=4 and 50÷2=25

It is 4:25 which is also
`(4)/(25)`

If you want the percentage instead of the ratio, divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator (bottom number)


`4` ÷
`25=.16`

Multiply by 100 and you get 16 which is equivalent to 16%

Answer:

4:25 (ratio/probability)
or
16% (percentage)