Proving P(A)≥P(B): Probability Proof

In summary, P(A|C)=P(AB)/P(C) and P(A|C')\geqP(B|C') because P(A|C')\geqP(B|C) and P(A|C)=P(AC)/P(C).
  • #1
kuahji
394
2
We have three events A, B, and C such that
P(A|C)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(B|C) and P(A|C')[itex]\geq[/itex]P(B|C')

Prove that P(A)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(B).

First I started with,
P(A|C)=P(AC)/P(C) and similarly P(B|C)=P(BC)/P(C).

From above,
P(AC)/P(C)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(BC)/P(C) and since P(C)[itex]\geq[/itex]0,
P(AC)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(BC).

Similarly from above,
P(AC')[itex]\geq[/itex]P(BC').

Here is where I am stuck. I tried to expand P(AC)=P(A)+P(C)-P(AUC) with each piece above, but I didn't seem to get anywhere. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How did you get P(A|C)=P(AB)/P(C)? Why is B there?
 
  • #3
vela said:
How did you get P(A|C)=P(AB)/P(C)? Why is B there?

Typo, fixed it above.
 
  • #4
If I'm not mistaken then P(A and C) + P(A and not C) = P(A).
 
  • #5
kuahji said:
We have three events A, B, and C such that
P(A|C)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(B|C) and P(A|C')[itex]\geq[/itex]P(B|C')

Prove that P(A)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(B).

First I started with,
P(A|C)=P(AC)/P(C) and similarly P(B|C)=P(BC)/P(C).

From above,
P(AC)/P(C)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(BC)/P(C) and since P(C)[itex]\geq[/itex]0,
P(AC)[itex]\geq[/itex]P(BC).

Similarly from above,
P(AC')[itex]\geq[/itex]P(BC').

Here is where I am stuck. I tried to expand P(AC)=P(A)+P(C)-P(AUC)
You have this backwards. It should be [itex]P(A\cup C)= P(A)+ P(C)- P(A\cap C)[/itex]

with each piece above, but I didn't seem to get anywhere. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 
  • #6
Okay, just figured it out. Thanks everyone for the assistance.
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Proving P(A)≥P(B): Probability Proof

What is the meaning of P(A)≥P(B) in probability?

P(A)≥P(B) in probability refers to the likelihood or chance of event A occurring being greater than or equal to the likelihood of event B occurring. It is a way to compare the probability of two events.

How can you prove that P(A)≥P(B)?

There are multiple ways to prove that P(A)≥P(B). One way is to use mathematical equations and formulas, such as the Law of Total Probability or Bayes' Theorem. Another way is to use experimental or empirical data to demonstrate that the probability of event A occurring is greater than or equal to the probability of event B occurring.

Why is proving P(A)≥P(B) important in probability?

Proving P(A)≥P(B) is important in probability because it allows us to determine which event is more likely to occur. This information is useful in decision making, risk assessment, and other real-world applications.

Can P(A)≥P(B) ever be false?

Yes, P(A)≥P(B) can be false. It is possible for the probability of event A occurring to be less than the probability of event B occurring. However, this would mean that event A is less likely to occur than event B.

Is P(A)≥P(B) the same as saying event A is guaranteed to happen?

No, P(A)≥P(B) does not guarantee that event A will happen. It only indicates that event A is more likely to occur than event B. There is still a possibility that event A may not occur.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top