Venn Diagram Help: Step-by-Step Guide for Test Preparation | ItsAllGood

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a probability question using a Venn diagram, specifically focusing on the interpretation of symbols and the calculation of probabilities related to sets A and B. The context is test preparation, with participants seeking a step-by-step guide to arrive at the correct answer.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help with understanding the symbols in the Venn diagram and requests a step-by-step solution.
  • Another participant explains the meaning of the symbols and emphasizes the importance of understanding the total area represented by the numbers in the diagram.
  • A different participant confirms that there is an additional area outside the sets A and B, suggesting that the total universe is 100.
  • One participant expresses confusion over how to arrive at the answer, indicating that they have tried various methods without success.
  • Another participant clarifies that the answer is not a misprint and corrects their earlier misunderstanding about the total area represented in the diagram.
  • One participant challenges a previous claim, asserting that the correct answer is indeed D and provides a hint on how to approach the calculation by focusing on the areas not in B.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the diagram and the calculations needed to arrive at the answer. There is no consensus on the correct approach, and some participants correct each other's earlier claims without reaching a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of the Venn diagram and the specific calculations needed to derive the answer. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding among participants.

kray
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Hi everyone, I've got a test tomorrow, and I've no idea how to do this question;

http://server5.uploadit.org/files/itsallgood-help.JPG

If someone could please do a step by step guide how to do this, it would be great.


Thanks very much. :smile:
 
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My first question is: do you know what those symbols mean? I'll translate: find the probability of being within either A or not-B (or both).

Then realize that the three numbers (and corresponding areas on the diagram) represent the entire universe: they add to 50. So... what's in A? what's not in B (that's not-B)? What's in either A or not-B? Get it?

Edit: I misread the diagram: the number 50 in the diagram represents the area outside of the overlapping ovals. Thus the universe = 50 + 50 = 100.
 
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I believe there's an additional 50 outside the sets A and B. So n(U) = 100. N(A) = 28. n(-A ^ -B) = 50. So that gives you one of the specified answers.
 
Cheers guys,

I understand what the symbols mean, i just cannot understand how this has been done.

p.s the answer comes out to D> 42

I've tried for hours, and nothing i know gets this answer.


A misprint maybe? :-p
 
kray said:
p.s the answer comes out to D> 42
It's no misprint. (You mean 42/50, I presume.)

I goofed before. Gokul43201 is correct: that 50 refers to the area outside the overlapping ovals. Thus the total universe is 100, not 50. (Shame on me. :rolleyes: )

The way to solve these things is to take a pencil and mark every section of the diagram that meets the criteria. Then just add the numbers. Start with everything that is not-B.
 
However, Gokul43201's answer is incorrect. D is, in fact, the correct answer.

As Doc Al said, Add up all things that are not in B (that are not B), then add those that happen to be in both A and B. (Hint: there is a single number in your picture that gives all things that are NOT in "A or not B"- you can just subtract that from 100 to get the number you want). Since the universe is 100, divide by 100. You will need to reduce the fraction to get the answer given.
 

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