So the probability that at least one event occurs is 0.748.

  • MHB
  • Thread starter schinb65
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Independent
In summary, the probability that at least one of the events occurs is 0.37, which can be found by using the formula $P(a \cup b) = P[a] + P[b] - P[a \cap b]$ or by finding the probability of the complement of neither event. This approach can also be used for more than two events, as shown in the example with events a, b, and c.
  • #1
schinb65
12
0
Two independent events have probabilities 0.1 and 0.3. What is the probability that at least one of
the events occurs?


I have an answer of .37, when I looked up the solution it is the same value but it was solved another way. I was just wondering if my logic would work.

Find $P(a \cup b) = P[a] + P - P[a \cap b]$
So I have P[a] and P, and I can find $P[a \cap b]$ from independence I can say that;
$P[a \cap b]$ = P[a]*P, correct?

Or is the only way that I can solve it which is easier then my approach,
1-P[neither event]
1-P(1-a)*P(1-b)
But I do not feel that this would be the first way that would pop into my mind.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Re: independent event

Hello, schinb65!

Two independent events have probabilities 0.1 and 0.3.
What is the probability that at least one of the events occurs?


I have an answer of 0.37.
When I looked up the solution, it is the same value,
but it was solved another way.
I was just wondering if my logic would work.

Find $P(a \cup b) = P[a] + P - P[a \cap b]$
So I have $P[a]$ and $P$, and I can find $P[a \cap b]$.
From independence I can say that: $P[a \cap b] = P[a]\!\cdot\!P$
Correct? . Yes!

The other approach is:
$1-P[\text{neither event}] \:=\:1 - P(a')\!\cdot\! P(b')$

But I do not feel that this would be the first way
that would pop into my mind.

If there were more events,
. . I'm sure this method would occur to you.Given: .[tex]\begin{Bmatrix}P[a] = 0.1 \\ P = 0.3 \\ P[c] = 0.6 \end{Bmatrix}[/tex]

Find the probability that at least one event occurs.[tex]P[a\cup b \cup c] \:=\:1 - P[\sim\!a]\!\cdot\!P[\sim\!b]\!\cdot\!P[\sim\!c][/tex]

. . . . . . . . . [tex]=\:1 - (0.9)(0.7)(0.4)[/tex]

. . . . . . . . . [tex]=\:1 - 0.252[/tex]

. . . . . . . . . [tex]=\:0.748[/tex]
 

FAQ: So the probability that at least one event occurs is 0.748.

What is an independent event?

An independent event is an event that is not influenced by or does not affect other events. This means that the outcome of the event is not affected by any previous or future events.

How is an independent event different from a dependent event?

A dependent event is an event that is influenced by or affects other events. This means that the outcome of the event is affected by other events, either before or after it.

Can an independent event be a part of a larger set of events?

Yes, an independent event can be a part of a larger set of events. It can coexist with other events without being affected by them.

Are all coin flips independent events?

Yes, all coin flips are considered independent events. The outcome of one coin flip does not affect the outcome of another coin flip.

How can you determine if an event is independent or dependent?

To determine if an event is independent or dependent, you can analyze the relationship between the events. If the outcome of one event does not affect the outcome of another event, then it is an independent event. If the outcome of one event is affected by the outcome of another event, then it is a dependent event.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top