Are These Probability Problems Solvable with Bayes' Theorem?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving probability problems using Bayes' Theorem. The first problem involves two urns with different distributions of white and red balls, where the probability of selecting the first urn is 0.4. Participants explore the correct application of Bayes' Theorem to find the probability of selecting the first urn given that two white balls were drawn. The second problem involves jelly beans transferred between a box and a bag, requiring the calculation of conditional probabilities using Bayes' Theorem. Key insights reveal common mistakes in applying the theorem and emphasize the importance of correctly structuring probability equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bayes' Theorem and its application in conditional probability
  • Familiarity with basic probability concepts, including independent and dependent events
  • Ability to construct and interpret probability trees for visualizing outcomes
  • Knowledge of rounding probabilities to specified decimal places
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the detailed application of Bayes' Theorem with examples involving multiple events
  • Learn how to construct probability trees for complex scenarios
  • Practice solving conditional probability problems using real-world examples
  • Explore common pitfalls in probability calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and professionals in statistics, data science, and fields requiring probabilistic reasoning will benefit from this discussion, particularly those looking to enhance their understanding of Bayes' Theorem.

Sportsman4920
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1. An urn contains 2 white balls and 8 red balls. A second urn contains 8 white balls and 2 red balls. An urn is selected, and the probability of selecting the first urn is 0.4. A ball is drawn from the selected urn and replaced. Then another ball is drawn and replaced from the same urn. If both balls are white, what are the following probabilities? (Round your answers to three decimal places.)

(a) the probability that the urn selected was the first one

I tried multiplying the probability of the first urn .4 x the probability of a white ball .2 together, then squaring it to get the probability of it happening twice. Clearly not correct though. Do I have to use bayes theorem?

(b) the probability that the urn selected was the second one
This I know is 1-the answer to a


2. A box has 4 blue and 2 green jelly beans. A bag has 8 blue and 6 green jelly beans. A jelly bean is selected at random from the box and placed in the bag. Then a jelly bean is selected at random from the bag. If a green jelly bean is selected from the bag, what is the probability that the transferred jelly bean was green? (Round your answer to three decimal places.)

I figured out the probability of picking a green jelly bean from the bag, and the probability of picking the other options from the box. And I know we are supposed to find the probability of picking a green from the box given picking a green from the bag. However I can not get it to work in the equations that I have.
 
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you can use Baye's theorem..I just used a probability tree. But, it doesn't change anything. The probability of picking the first urn is .4, as stated. Kind of like the Monty Hall problem, the probability doesn't change

Second, one using probability tree, brute force, probability is 7/19. Sorry can't help with equations.
 
Thanks for the help. I tried using bayes theorem for the first problem by doing the probability of the first earn given the ball is white. So 1/W. Which is .4x.2/(.4x.2 + .6x.8) and got .1429. Then multiplied that by .4x.2 because knowing it is the same earn and the ball is white, the probability of picking another white ball is .08. But this was not correct. Where did I go wrong? -Thanks
 

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