Probability/Statistics Question

  • Thread starter srfriggen
  • Start date
In summary, I attempted to learn what I could about the homework problem for my brother-in-law's statistics class, but I don't think I understood it very well. I don't know how to calculate the line over the A or what the line over the B means. I think the events are not dependent, and are mutually exclusive. Additionally, I don't know how to calculate P(A l B).
  • #1
srfriggen
307
7
My brother in law asked me to look at this homework problem for him for a statistics class. He assumes that since I'm taking calculus that I must be able to learn statistics and probability. So I've tried to learn what I can this morning but don't see it going too far.



1. Homework Statement


Suppose that P(A) = .61, P(B) = .42, and P(A [tex]\cap[/tex] B) = .14

Calculate the following:

a) P(A [tex]\cup[/tex] B)

b.) P(A l B)

c.) P(B l A)

d.) P([tex]\bar{A}[/tex] [tex]\cup[/tex] B)

e.) P(A l [tex]\overline{B}[/tex])

f.) P([tex]\bar{A}[/tex] l B)


g) Are A and B independent events? Why or Why not?

h) Are A and B mutually exclusive events? Why or why not?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



a) P (A U B) = P(A) + P(B) = .61 + .42 = 1.03. (I feel this is incorrect).

b) I don't know how to calculate or attempt (AlB)

d) I don't know what the line over the A means.

g) The are independent if P(A U B) = P(A)P(B), but .14 not equal to .61 * .42, so not independent.

h) ?




Homework Statement





Homework Equations





3. The Attempt at a Solution




 
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  • #2
Hi srfriggen! :smile:

Use Venn diagrams to find what to add, and what to subtract.

I guess the bar means "not".

A and B are independent if P(A and B) = P(A)P(B). :wink:
 
  • #3
so they are not dependent since P(A and B) does not equal P(A)P(B)?

How do I know if they are mutually exclusive?

Is the answer to a) .89? P(A)+P(B) - P(A and B)?

And how do I calculate P(A l B)?



This seems like an easy problem, IF, I was taking probability or statistics haha. but I just don't have the time to learn it today. I have a calc II test wednesday that is taking up all my time.
 
  • #4
srfriggen said:
so they are not dependent since P(A and B) does not equal P(A)P(B)?

yes
Is the answer to a) .89? P(A)+P(B) - P(A and B)?

yes
How do I know if they are mutually exclusive?

And how do I calculate P(A l B)?

Your brother-in-law should know the definitions of P(A l B), and of "mutually exclusive". :wink:
 
  • #5
Ok, I think I figured out a few more. Can you let me know if I am correct?...

P(A l B) = P(A or B)/P(B) = .14/.42 = .333

P(B l A) = P(A or B)/P(A) = .14/.61=.229

- Are A and B independent events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal P(A)P(B)

-Are A and B mutually exclusive events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal Zero.I'll let him figure out the other 3 but I want to make sure I'm sending him the correct answers or I'll never hear the end of it! lol
 
  • #6
srfriggen said:
P(A l B) = P(A or B)/P(B) = .14/.42 = .333

P(B l A) = P(A or B)/P(A) = .14/.61=.229

- Are A and B independent events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal P(A)P(B)

-Are A and B mutually exclusive events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal Zero.

Yes, that's all correct, except that every time you've written "or", it should be "and". :wink:
 
  • #7
haha, I keep getting those symbols confused!

Thanks for your help!
 

FAQ: Probability/Statistics Question

What is the difference between probability and statistics?

Probability is the study of the likelihood of an event occurring, while statistics is the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.

How is probability used in everyday life?

Probability helps us make decisions based on the likelihood of certain outcomes, such as choosing which route to take to work based on traffic patterns or deciding whether to buy a lottery ticket based on the odds of winning.

What are the different types of probability?

The three main types of probability are theoretical, experimental, and subjective. Theoretical probability is based on mathematical principles, experimental probability is based on data collected through trials, and subjective probability is based on personal beliefs or opinions.

What is the difference between mean, median, and mode?

Mean, median, and mode are measures of central tendency used in statistics. Mean is the average, calculated by adding all values and dividing by the number of values. Median is the middle value when the data is arranged in numerical order. Mode is the most frequently occurring value in the data set.

How can we use statistics to make predictions?

Statistics can be used to analyze patterns in data and make predictions about future events. This is often done through regression analysis, where relationships between variables are identified and used to make predictions. However, it is important to note that statistics cannot guarantee accurate predictions, as there is always a degree of uncertainty involved.

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