What is the probability the second orange is sour if the first one is sour?

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In summary, the probability that the second orange is sour, given that the first orange chosen is sour, is $\frac{29}{350}$ or approximately 0.08286.
  • #1
evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

A farmer $Α$ has oranges, $10 \%$ of which are sour. A farmer $Β$ has oranges, $4\%$ of which are sour. A client chooses per chance ( with propability $\frac{1}{2}$) two oranges.
Which is the probability, if the first orange that he chooses is sour, that the second is also sour?

I drawed the following diagram:View attachment 3911Could this help? (Thinking)
 

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  • #2
Hi! (Thinking)

That should help, but I think a couple of levels are missing in the decision tree.

I think the first decision the client makes (or rather, the first probability event that occurs) is whether he chooses farmer A or farmer B. (Thinking)
So the root of the tree should have 2 children: A and B, each with probability 1/2.

What do you think the second decision or event is? (Wondering)
 
  • #3
:Hello, evinda!

Farmer $Α$ has oranges, 10% of which are sour.
Farmer $Β$ has oranges, 4% of which are sour.
A client chooses a farmer at random, then two of his oranges.
What is the probability, if the first orange is sour,
that the second is also sour?

Bayes' Theorem: $\:P(\text{2nd sour }|\text{1st sour}) \;=\;\dfrac{P(\text{both sour})}{P(\text{1st sour})}$

$P(A) = \frac{1}{2}$
$P(A \wedge \text{1st sour}) = \frac{1}{2}\frac{10}{100}$
$P(A \wedge \text{both sour}) = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{10}{100})^2$

$P(B) = \frac{1}{2}$
$P(B \wedge \text{1st sour}) = \frac{1}{2}\frac{4}{100}$
$P(B \wedge \text{both sour}) = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{4}{100})^2$

$P(\text{both sour}) \:=\: \frac{1}{2}(\frac{10}{100})^2 + \frac{1}{2}(\frac{4}{100})^2 \:=\:\frac{116}{20,000} \:=\:\frac{29}{5000}$

$P(\text{1st sour}) \:=\:\frac{10}{200} + \frac{4}{200} \:=\:\frac{14}{200} \:=\:\frac{7}{100}$

Therefore: $\:P(\text{2nd sour }|\text{ 1st sour}) \;=\; \dfrac{\frac{29}{5000}}{\frac{7}{100}} \;=\;\dfrac{29}{350}$
 

FAQ: What is the probability the second orange is sour if the first one is sour?

Why is the second orange also sour?

The second orange is also sour because it is likely from the same batch of oranges as the first one. Oranges from the same batch tend to have similar levels of acidity and sweetness.

Is there a scientific explanation for the sourness of the second orange?

Yes, the sourness of an orange is due to the presence of citric acid and other organic acids. The levels of these acids can vary from fruit to fruit, which is why some oranges may be sweeter or more sour than others.

Can the second orange be made less sour?

It is not possible to change the level of acidity in a fruit once it has been harvested. However, you can try adding a small amount of sugar to the orange to balance out the sour taste.

Are there any health benefits to eating the second sour orange?

Despite its sour taste, the second orange still contains important nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These can provide various health benefits such as boosting the immune system and promoting digestion.

How can I tell if an orange will be sour before eating it?

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine the exact level of sourness in an orange before tasting it. However, you can look for signs of ripeness such as a bright orange color and a firm texture, as these may indicate a sweeter orange.

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