In a standard deck of 52 playing cards, what is the probability of drawing a card that is an Ace or a Spade?

In a standard deck of 52 playing cards, what is the probability of drawing a card that is an Ace or a Spade?

• A. 1/4
• B. 2/5
• C. 4/13
• D. 3/4

Answer: (C)

When you want a card that is either an Ace or a Spade, count how many cards fall into either category and be careful not to double-count the Ace of Spades, which belongs to both groups. There are 4 aces and 13 spades, but the Ace of Spades is counted twice if you just add them, so subtract one to correct for the overlap: 4 + 13 − 1 = 16 favorable cards. There are 52 cards in total, so the probability is 16/52, which simplifies to 4/13. This matches the correct result.

When you want a card that is either an Ace or a Spade, count how many cards fall into either category and be careful not to double-count the Ace of Spades, which belongs to both groups. There are 4 aces and 13 spades, but the Ace of Spades is counted twice if you just add them, so subtract one to correct for the overlap: 4 + 13 − 1 = 16 favorable cards. There are 52 cards in total, so the probability is 16/52, which simplifies to 4/13. This matches the correct result.