Probability of Wayne & Mario Both Missing Penalty Shot

  • Thread starter Inertialforce
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In summary, the correct method to calculate the probability that both hockey players miss their penalty shots is to use the formula for independent events, P(A and B) = P(A) x P(B), and then find the complement of this probability to get the desired result. Using the formula P(both miss) = 1 - P(both score) may not give the correct result as it includes cases where only one player misses their shot.
  • #1
Inertialforce
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Homework Statement


Two hockey players, Wayne and Mario, each independently take a penalty shot. Wayne has a 7/10 chance of scoring, while Mario has a 3/5 chance of scoring. What is the probability that;

a) they both miss


Homework Equations


P(A and B) = P(A) x P(B)


The Attempt at a Solution


For this question I found out what the complements (P(not mario) and P(not Wayne)) for each were and then I used the formula for independent events [P(A and B) = P(A) x P(B)] to find my answer and the answer that I got was correct. However, I was wondering why I cannot just go:

P(both miss) = 1- P(both score)

I tried this method and the answer that came up was different than the answer that I got from my first method of trying to solve this question (using the complements). Could someone explain why I cannot use "P(both miss) = 1- P(both score)" to solve this question?
 
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  • #2
Inertialforce said:

Homework Statement


Two hockey players, Wayne and Mario, each independently take a penalty shot. Wayne has a 7/10 chance of scoring, while Mario has a 3/5 chance of scoring. What is the probability that;

a) they both miss

Homework Equations


P(A and B) = P(A) x P(B)

The Attempt at a Solution


For this question I found out what the complements (P(not mario) and P(not Wayne)) for each were and then I used the formula for independent events [P(A and B) = P(A) x P(B)] to find my answer and the answer that I got was correct. However, I was wondering why I cannot just go:

P(both miss) = 1- P(both score)

I tried this method and the answer that came up was different than the answer that I got from my first method of trying to solve this question (using the complements). Could someone explain why I cannot use "P(both miss) = 1- P(both score)" to solve this question?

P(both score) is the probability that both mario AND wayne score. The complement of P(both) is the probability that not both of them score, so it could mean that one of them scores and the other doesnt, not necessarily that they both miss.

i.e.
[tex]
1-P(A \cap B) = P(\overline{A\cap B}) \neq P(\overline{A} \cap \overline{B})
[/tex]
 
  • #3
1 - P(A)(P(B) is "1- probability they both score" and so is probability the do not BOTH score. But "not both scoring" is not the same as "both do not score". "Not both scoring" includes one scores and the other does not.
 

FAQ: Probability of Wayne & Mario Both Missing Penalty Shot

What is the probability of Wayne & Mario both missing a penalty shot?

The probability of Wayne and Mario both missing a penalty shot is calculated by multiplying the individual probabilities of each player missing the shot. This assumes that the two events are independent and do not affect each other.

Does the probability change depending on the skill level of the two players?

Yes, the probability may change depending on the skill level of the two players. If Wayne and Mario are both highly skilled players, the probability of both missing the penalty shot may be lower compared to if they were less skilled.

What other factors may affect the probability of both players missing the shot?

The probability of both players missing the penalty shot may also be affected by external factors such as weather conditions, fatigue, pressure, and the goalie's skill level.

Can the probability of both players missing the shot be greater than 1?

No, the probability of both players missing the penalty shot cannot be greater than 1. This would imply that it is certain that both players will miss the shot, which is not possible.

How is the probability of both players missing the shot different from the probability of at least one player missing the shot?

The probability of both players missing the penalty shot is the likelihood that both players will miss the shot. On the other hand, the probability of at least one player missing the shot includes the possibility of both players missing as well as the possibility of only one player missing. This means that the probability of at least one player missing is always equal to or greater than the probability of both players missing.

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