What is the Probability of Independent Events with Given Probabilities?

In summary, the conversation discusses the probabilities of two events A and B, with probabilities of 0.2 and 0.4 respectively and a joint probability of 0.08. The first question asks if the two events are independent, which can be determined using the formula P(A n B) = P(A)*P(B). The second question asks for the probability of either A or B or both occurring, which can be found using the formula P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A n B). The third question asks for the probability that neither A nor B occurs, which is the compliment of the previous question and can be found using the formula P(A^c n B^c
  • #1
DAKIK
5
0

Homework Statement



The two events A and B have probabilities 0.2 and 0.4. Also P (A n B)=0:08.
(a)Are the two events A and B independent? Explain.
(b) Find the probability that either A or B or both occur.
(c) Find the probability that neither A nor B occurs.
(d) Find the probability that exactly one of A or B occurs.


Homework Equations


P(A n B) = P(A)*P(B)

The Attempt at a Solution



My working out:

(a) For 2 events to be independent they must satisfy:
P(A n B) = P(A)*P(B)
so 0.08 = 0.2x0.4
which makes them independent .. Correct ?

(b) hmm not sure about this one! need some helpp

(c) P(neither A or B) = 0.8*0.6 Correct?

(d) hmm maybe P = 0.2*0.6 + 0.4*0.8 = 0.44 ?
 
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  • #2
(A) is right.

For (B), you need a formula for [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex]. But note that the problem ends with "or both."

For (C), what would be the compliment of "neither A nor B"?

(D) is wrong. You again need to find [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex], but note the difference between (D) and (B).69
 
  • #3
eumyang said:
(A) is right.

For (B), you need a formula for [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex]. But note that the problem ends with "or both."

For (C), what would be the compliment of "neither A nor B"?

(D) is wrong. You again need to find [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex], but note the difference between (D) and (B).


69

so for (B) i should use: [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B) - P(A n B)

for (C) use P(A^c n B^c) = 1 - [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] ??

for (D) use: [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B)

Need help asap

thankss
 
  • #4
DAKIK said:
so for (B) i should use: [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B) - P(A n B)

for (D) use: [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B)
You sure about these? Again, the end of (B) says "or both". [tex]P(A \cap B)[/tex] would represent the "both," would it not? And in (D), we want "exactly one," so we cannot include both A and B.69
 
  • #5
eumyang said:
You sure about these? Again, the end of (B) says "or both". [tex]P(A \cap B)[/tex] would represent the "both," would it not? And in (D), we want "exactly one," so we cannot include both A and B.


69

ok so would it look something like that

so for (B) i should use: [tex] P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B) + P(A n B)

for (D) use: [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B) - P(A n B)
 
  • #6
DAKIK said:
so for (B) i should use: [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B) - P(A n B)

for (C) use P(A^c n B^c) = 1 - [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] ??

for (D) use: [tex]P(A \cup B)[/tex] = P(A) + P(B)

Need help asap

thankss

eumyang said:
You sure about these? Again, the end of (B) says "or both". [tex]P(A \cap B)[/tex] would represent the "both," would it not?
For (B), he is correct. "[itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex]" is already included in both P(A) and
P(B). In order to count it only once we must subtract off one: [itex]P(A\cup B)= P(A)+ P(B)- P(A\cap B)[/itex].

And in (D), we want "exactly one," so we cannot include both A and B.


69
So for D, you subtract off [itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex] completely- twice.
 
  • #7
HallsofIvy said:
For (B), he is correct. "[itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex]" is already included in both P(A) and
P(B). In order to count it only once we must subtract off one: [itex]P(A\cup B)= P(A)+ P(B)- P(A\cap B)[/itex].


So for D, you subtract off [itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex] completely- twice.

what do u mean by subract off [itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex] completely ?
so - [itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex] twice ?
 
  • #8
HallsofIvy said:
For (B), he is correct. "[itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex]" is already included in both P(A) and
P(B). In order to count it only once we must subtract off one: [itex]P(A\cup B)= P(A)+ P(B)- P(A\cap B)[/itex].
That's it, no more posting early in the morning. >.<


69
 
  • #9
Thanks for the help guys
Appreciate it
 

Related to What is the Probability of Independent Events with Given Probabilities?

1. What is the definition of probability?

Probability is a measure of the likelihood of an event occurring. It is often expressed as a number between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty.

2. How is probability calculated for two events?

The probability of two events occurring together is calculated by multiplying the individual probabilities of each event. This is known as the "AND" rule of probability.

3. What is the difference between independent and dependent events?

Independent events are events that do not affect each other and have no influence on the outcome of the other event. Dependent events, on the other hand, are events that are affected by each other and the outcome of one event can impact the outcome of the other.

4. Can probability be greater than 1 or less than 0?

No, probability cannot be greater than 1 or less than 0. A probability of 1 means that an event is certain to occur, while a probability of 0 means that an event is impossible. Any number outside of this range is not a valid probability.

5. How can probability be used in real-world applications?

Probability is used in various fields, such as statistics, finance, and science, to make predictions and informed decisions. It can be used to estimate the likelihood of an event occurring, and to calculate risks and uncertainties in various scenarios.

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