Solving for P(A) in Probability of Events: A^c U B = 0.6 and A^c U B^c = 0.8

In summary, the given problem involves finding the probability of event A given the probabilities of its complement and its complement union with another event. By using the properties of set theory, it can be shown that P(A) = 1 - P(A^c). The given solution involves adding the two given equations and simplifying to find P(A^c), and then using the formula for P(A) to find its value. The missing step in the given solution is to subtract P(A^c) from both sides of the equation, which is necessary to isolate P(A^c).
  • #1
notorious9000
11
0
I'm having difficulty time of trying to figure out answer.

Question:
P(A^c U B) = 0.6
P((A^c U B^C) = 0.8
Find P(A) ?

Sol:
P(A^c U B) = P(A^c) + P(B) - P(A^c Intersection B)
P(A^c U B^c) = P(A^c) + P(B^c) - P(A^c Intersection B^c)
0.6 + 0.8 = 2*P(A^c) + 1 - P(A^c) <==== HOW ?
P(A^c)=0.4, P(A)=1-P(A^c)=0.6

PROBLEM:
I have the solution, but I don't get how he got "- P(A^c)"
I think my instructor skipped some steps.
 
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  • #2
it should be clear it you write out the steps
[tex] P(A^c \cup B) = P(A^c) + P(B) - P(A^c \cap B) [/tex]
[tex] P(A^c \cup B^c) = P(A^c) + P(B^c) - P(A^c \cap B^c) [/tex]

now add them together
[tex] P(A^c \cup B^c) + P(A^c \cup B) = 2P(A^c) + (P(B^c)+P(B)) - (P(A^c \cap B^c) +P(A^c \cap B) )[/tex]

now see if you can fill in the last bit
 

FAQ: Solving for P(A) in Probability of Events: A^c U B = 0.6 and A^c U B^c = 0.8

What is the definition of probability?

The probability of an event is a measure of the likelihood that the event will occur. It is a number between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty.

How is probability calculated?

Probability is calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes. For example, if you roll a six-sided die, the probability of rolling a 3 would be 1/6, since there is only one favorable outcome out of six possible outcomes.

What is the difference between theoretical and experimental probability?

Theoretical probability is based on mathematical calculations and assumes that all outcomes are equally likely. Experimental probability is based on actual data and can vary from the theoretical probability due to chance or other factors.

How does the law of large numbers relate to probability?

The law of large numbers states that as the number of trials or experiments increases, the experimental probability will approach the theoretical probability. This means that with more data, the results will become more consistent and closer to the expected probability.

Can probability be used to predict the outcome of a single event?

No, probability can only give an estimate of the likelihood of an event occurring. It cannot predict the outcome of a single event with certainty, as there are always factors that can influence the outcome that are beyond the scope of probability calculations.

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