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I have a set of numbers $\{1,2,3,...,157\}$.

How to compute the probability of selecting two numbers without replacement such that are both divisible by $3$?

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    $\begingroup$ Are we selecting $2$ numbers, without replacement? $\endgroup$ – André Nicolas Oct 24 '15 at 9:22
  • $\begingroup$ @AndréNicolas, with replacement you mean that we can 'repeat' the number? Then no - we have the set and we can't repeat the number. $\endgroup$ – Ganjira Oct 24 '15 at 9:26
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    $\begingroup$ There are $52$ multiples of $6$ in our set, $3\cdot 1$ to $4\cdot 52$. Imagine picking the numbers one at a time. The probability the first is a multiple of $3$ is $\frac{52}{157}$. Given the first is divisible by $3$, the probability the second is divisible by $3$ is $\frac{51}{156}$. So our required probablity is $\frac{52}{157}\cdot\frac{51}{156}$. This can be simplified. $\endgroup$ – André Nicolas Oct 24 '15 at 9:33
  • $\begingroup$ By selecting "the" numbers, do you mean any two numbers ? $\endgroup$ – true blue anil Oct 24 '15 at 9:33
  • $\begingroup$ Any 2 numbers from the set of numbers I mentioned above. $\endgroup$ – Ganjira Oct 24 '15 at 9:44
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Multiples of $3$ in the given range are $3\times1 $ through $3\times52$, i.e. numbering $52$

Thus $Pr =$ $\dbinom{52}{2} \over \dbinom{157}{2} $

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