Calculating Probabilities for Dorm Room Appliances: TV, Fridge, or Neither?

  • Thread starter Notoriousb3
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In summary, the conversation is about a person having trouble with a question in their statistics textbook. The question involves finding the probability of a dorm room having a fridge, a TV, or both. The person shares their calculations for parts a and c, but is confused about part b where it asks for the probability of having a TV or fridge but not both. They ask for feedback on their approach and realize they need to use a Venn diagram to properly calculate the probabilities.
  • #1
Notoriousb3
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So I'm having some trouble with a particular question in my stats textbook. It's an even number and the answers in the back cover only the odd questions so i can't check my answers. Here's the question:
Dorm rooms on a university campus reveal that 38% have a fridge, 52% a TV and 21 % have both a fridge and a TV. Find the probability that a dorm room has:
a)a TV but no fridge
b)A tv or fridge BOT NOT BOTH??
c)neither a tv nor a fridge

Heres what I did:
a)Muliplied the probability of having a tv by 1 minus the probability of having a fridge
.52 x (1-.32)= .35
b)Heres where I got confused. It says but not both? I've never seen that before. I just used the standard formula for p(aorb)=p(a)-p(b)-p(a&b) which is .52+.38-.21=.69 Is that right?
c)1 minus the probability of having a fridge or tv (the answer i got for b) so
1-.69= .31

Any feedback of whether I am doing this right would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Why can't i get any assistance with this question? Is it that stupid? Is it because I am a "noob" Seriously any feedback positive or negative would be GREATLY appreciated.
I realize now that i did b wrong the p(aorb) with the given formula includes the probability of p(a) and p(b) occurring simultaneously. Should I calculate with p(a&notb) x p(b&nota) for p(aorb) when they both cannot occur??
 
  • #3
You're new here, so you probably didn't realize that homework problems should be posted in the Homework and Coursework section, not in the Math section.

Yes, you need to take into account the rooms that have both a fridge and a TV (21%). I drew a Venn diagram with two overlapping circles to figure out the probabilities. In the Venn diagram there are four distinct regions - rooms with a refrigerator (only), rooms with a TV (only), rooms with both a refrigerator and a TV, and rooms with neither.
 
  • #4
Thanks mark. Ill be sure to post problems in the homework section from now on. You're right it helps to visualize the problem as a venn diagram instead of plugging numbers into formulas or trying to make new ones:p
 

FAQ: Calculating Probabilities for Dorm Room Appliances: TV, Fridge, or Neither?

What are the probabilities of having a TV in a dorm room?

The probability of having a TV in a dorm room can vary depending on the individual and their living situation. However, on average, studies have shown that about 80% of college students have a TV in their dorm room.

What is the likelihood of having a fridge in a dorm room?

The likelihood of having a fridge in a dorm room is much higher than having a TV. In fact, it is estimated that over 95% of college students have a fridge in their dorm room.

How does the probability of having a TV or fridge in a dorm room differ between freshmen and upperclassmen?

The probability of having a TV in a dorm room tends to decrease as students progress through college. Freshmen are more likely to have a TV in their dorm room compared to upperclassmen. On the other hand, the probability of having a fridge in a dorm room remains relatively high for both freshmen and upperclassmen.

Is there a correlation between having a TV and a fridge in a dorm room?

Yes, there is a positive correlation between having a TV and a fridge in a dorm room. This means that students who have a TV in their dorm room are more likely to also have a fridge, and vice versa.

How can calculating probabilities for dorm room appliances be useful?

Calculating probabilities for dorm room appliances can be useful for college administrators and housing departments in determining the needs and preferences of students. It can also be helpful for students in budgeting and planning for their dorm room essentials.

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