JEE MainMathematicsProbabilityMCQ+4 / −1
Two squares are chosen at random on a chessboard (see figure). The probability that they have a side in common is : 

- A
- B
- C
- D
View written solutionFree
Correct answer: B
- Total number of squares on a chessboard
A standard chessboard has small squares.
Two squares are chosen at random, so the total number of ways is
- Count pairs of squares having a common side
Two squares have a side in common if they are adjacent either:
- horizontally, or
- vertically.
Horizontal adjacent pairs
In each row of 8 squares, there are 7 horizontal adjacent pairs. Since there are 8 rows, horizontal pairs.
Vertical adjacent pairs
Similarly, in each column of 8 squares, there are 7 vertical adjacent pairs. Since there are 8 columns, vertical pairs.
So total favorable pairs:
- Compute the probability
Therefore, Simplify:
- Match with options
Thus the required probability is So the correct option is B.
- Comparison with stored answer
Stored correct answer: B
Our derived answer is also B, so they agree.
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