-aux07.Venn diagram -about 120 students in a school

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Venn diagrams to determine probabilities related to language studies among students in a school, specifically focusing on the number of students studying Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish. Participants analyze different aspects of the problem, including the calculation of probabilities for students studying multiple languages and those studying none.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents calculations for the probabilities of students studying exactly two languages and only Japanese, as well as a probability related to studying any of the languages.
  • Post 2 agrees with the first two parts of Post 1 but challenges the third part, suggesting that the calculation should involve subtracting from 1 to find the probability of not studying any languages. It also points out a type error in the notation used.
  • Post 3 reiterates the points made in Post 2, emphasizing the need for clarity in notation and confirming the understanding of probabilities related to studying languages.
  • Post 4 echoes the sentiments of Post 3, acknowledging a misunderstanding of notation and reiterating the need for proper set notation in the context of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the first two calculations regarding probabilities. However, there is disagreement regarding the interpretation and calculation of the third probability, with multiple views on the correct approach and notation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the notation used in the calculations, particularly concerning the use of union symbols with numerical values instead of sets. Additionally, the understanding of how to derive probabilities from the Venn diagram context remains partially unclear among participants.

karush
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(a) since $n(U)=120$ and the intersections showing $8,7$ and $4$ added is $19$ then $\displaystyle\frac{19}{120}$ is the probability of studying exactly $2$ languages

(b) since $n(J)=35$ then subtracting $8,5,7$ would be $15$ so $\displaystyle\frac{15}{120}=\frac{1}{8}$ would be probability of studying only Japanese

(c) $\displaystyle\frac{n(C)\ \cup\ n(J)\cup \ n(S)}{n(U)}=
\frac{19}{30}$
 
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(a) and (b) are correct. As for (c), you need to subtract your answer from 1 because the question asks for the probability that the student does not study any of these languages. The expression $n(C)\cup n(J)$ is a type error because $n(C)$ and $n(J)$ are numbers, while $\cup$ acts on sets. I agree that $n(C\cup J\cup S)=19\cdot4=76$, but it is strange that you did not explain this more difficult part while you explained the easier ones.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
(a) and (b) are correct. As for (c), you need to subtract your answer from 1 because the question asks for the probability that the student does not study any of these languages. The expression $n(C)\cup n(J)$ is a type error because $n(C)$ and $n(J)$ are numbers, while $\cup$ acts on sets. I agree that $n(C\cup J\cup S)=19\cdot4=76$, but it is strange that you did not explain this more difficult part while you explained the easier ones.

I probably misunderstood the notation. so $\frac{19}{30}$ is the probability that a student will study a language. and $\frac{11}{30}$ is the probability that a student does not study a language.

so saying $14\cup 16$ is improper it has to a $A\cup B$ etc
 
karush said:
I probably misunderstood the notation. so $\frac{19}{30}$ is the probability that a student will study a language. and $\frac{11}{30}$ is the probability that a student does not study a language.
Yes.

karush said:
so saying $14\cup 16$ is improper it has to a $A\cup B$ etc
Yes.
 

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