Coins in a box: aa conditional probability problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a conditional probability problem involving three coins: one with two heads, one with two tails, and one fair coin. The user calculates the probability of having chosen the two-headed coin after flipping heads twice. The solution employs Bayes' theorem, where P(A|B) is determined as 4/5, confirming the user's calculations as correct. The user seeks validation for their solution, which is based on accurate probability principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conditional probability and Bayes' theorem
  • Familiarity with basic probability concepts such as events and outcomes
  • Knowledge of coin flipping probabilities
  • Experience with mathematical statistics, particularly from Rice's Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced applications of Bayes' theorem in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the concept of prior and posterior probabilities in depth
  • Learn about the law of total probability and its implications
  • Investigate common pitfalls in conditional probability problems
USEFUL FOR

Students of statistics, mathematicians, and anyone interested in mastering conditional probability and Bayesian analysis.

Catchfire
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Hello,
I've been working on some questions from Rice's Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis and I'm not sure about my solutions.

The question I'm working on is as follows:
1.8 #59c
A box has 3 coins: 1 with two heads, 1 with 2 tails and 1 fair coin. A coin chosen randomly is flipped and comes up heads. If the coin is flipped again and comes up heads, what's the probability it's the two headed coin?

My solution:
Let A be the event the coin has two heads and let B be the event that heads is flipped twice.
P(A|B) = P(A\capB) / P(B) = P(B|A)P(A) / P(B) = 1*(1/3) / P(B)

P(B) = 1/3*1 + 1/3*1/4 = 5/12

P(A|B) = 1/3 / 5/12 = 4/5

Is this correct?
 
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It looks right to me.
 
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Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Thanks.

Ps sorry mods, posted in wrong forum, please move to homework subforum.
 

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