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Problem-Solving and Data Analysis / Probability and conditional probability Difficulty: Easy
Classification Frequency
igneous 1010
metamorphic 3333
sedimentary 2727

Each rock in a collection of 70 rocks was classified as either igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary, as shown in the frequency table.

If one of these rocks is selected at random, what is the probability of selecting a rock that is igneous?

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Explanation

Choice D is correct. If one of the rocks in the collection is selected at random, the probability of selecting a rock that is igneous is equal to the number of igneous rocks in the collection divided by the total number of rocks in the collection. According to the table, there are 10 igneous rocks in the collection, and it's given that there's a total of 70 rocks in the collection. Therefore, if one of the rocks in the collection is selected at random, the probability of selecting a rock that is igneous is 1070.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of igneous rocks in the collection divided by the number of sedimentary rocks in the collection, not divided by the total number of rocks in the collection.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of igneous rocks in the collection divided by the number of metamorphic rocks in the collection, not divided by the total number of rocks in the collection.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of igneous rocks in the collection divided by the number of rocks in the collection that aren't igneous, not divided by the total number of rocks in the collection.