# Is this probability question wrong to begin with? [duplicate]

This question appeared on my G+ feed:

If you choose an answer to this question at random, what is the chance you will be correct?

A) 25%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 25%

My friend and I have differing views on how to answer it. While both of us agree that 0% is the correct answer if one was to connect the answer chosen with the actual question, he argues that 50% is still a correct answer if we understand the question in a broader sense: If a question is asked and four answers are given, while two of them are correct, what is the chance that the correct answer would be chosen at random? Could 50% ever be considered correct?

Here's how my friend thinks: There's a 1/4 chance that you've chosen the 'correct' answer. Out of given options, two of them are 'correct'. So, the chance that you're correct is 2/4.

## marked as duplicate by Henry, MJD, Did, user17762, RahulOct 21 '12 at 22:00

• My reasoning would be along the lines that the answers given do not pertain to the question, and any mulitple choice question with 4 answers gives you a $25$% chance. So both A and D would be acceptable answers. Good question in general, though! (+1) – Envious Page Oct 21 '12 at 20:12