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jmc

counting and probability senior

Problem

Six distinct integers are picked at random from . What is the probability that, among those selected, the second smallest is ?
Solution
The total number of ways to choose 6 numbers is . Assume is the second-lowest number. There are numbers left to choose, of which must be greater than , and of which must be less than . This is equivalent to choosing numbers from the numbers larger than , and number from the numbers less than .. Thus, .
Final answer
\frac{1}{3}