Help Understanding Notation for Probability

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    Notation Probability
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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on understanding probability notation, specifically the symbols for union and intersection, and how they relate to various events. Participants explore the meanings of different probability expressions and seek clarification on specific notations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the notation for probability, particularly regarding the meanings of P(A), P(B), P(AuB), and P(AnB).
  • Another participant clarifies that P(A'∩B) represents the scenario where A does not occur and B does occur.
  • Further clarification is provided that P(A∩B') indicates when A occurs and B does not occur.
  • One participant questions the meanings of P(A'∪B) and P(A∪B'), seeking additional explanations.
  • A later reply suggests that P(A'UB) represents either B or not A, and provides a formula involving P(A) and P(A∩B).
  • Another participant states that P(AUB') represents either A or not B.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the meanings of the notations, as there are multiple interpretations and ongoing questions about specific expressions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations in their character sets for displaying union and intersection symbols, which may affect clarity in notation.

repugno
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Hello everyone, I feel ashamed to be asking someone to explain such simple notation to me, but I’m having serious problems understanding it. Any help would be deeply appreciated. Thank you.

I’ll use “u” and “n” to denote Union and Intercept as I don’t know how to make the symbols.

What I can understand of the notation is as follow.

If A and B are two events and P(A) = 0.6, P(B) = 0.3 and P(AuB) = 0.8

P(A) would be the probability of event A occurring by itself and
P(B) would be the probability of B occurring by itself.
P(AuB) would be either A or B occurring.
P(AnB) would be when A and B occurs at the same time.
P(A’) when A does not occur, so 1 – P(A)
P(B’) when B does not occur, so 1 – P(B)

Now the confusing part…

P(A’nB) What I can understand from the “n” notation is that it represents events happening at the same time, so this would be when A does not occur at all but B does.

What would P(A’uB), P(AuB’) be ?? I’m very confused now. :frown:
 
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P(A'∩B) is when A doesn't occur and B does occur.

P(A∩B') is when A does occur and B doesn't occur.

P(A'∩B) = P(AUB) - P(A)

edited to add: I don't seem to have the union in my chracter set. Also, the union and intersection symbols are "& cup ;" and "& cap ;" respectively (both without the spaces), you won't be able to display them unless they are on your html chracter set though.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply.

What would this notation represent?

P(A'∪B)
P(A∪B')
 
P(A'UB) represents either B or not A = 1 - (P(A)-P(A∩B))

p(AUB') represents either A or not B
 

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