Conditional Probability problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a conditional probability problem involving a manufacturer of scientific workstations that produces models at three different sites, each with distinct probabilities of producing defective units. Participants are exploring how to calculate the overall probability of receiving a defective model and the conditional probability of a defective model being from a specific site.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the probability that a randomly selected customer receives a defective model and the conditional probability of receiving a defective model from site B. There is confusion regarding the correct interpretation of conditional probabilities and the necessary calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the calculations, while others express confusion about the conditions and the implications of the probabilities involved. The discussion reflects an ongoing exploration of the concepts without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is also a noted uncertainty regarding the definitions and interpretations of the probabilities involved.

lina29
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Homework Statement


A manufacturer of scientific workstations produces its new model at sites A, B, and C; 20% at A, 35% at B, and the remaining 45% at C. The probability of shipping a defective model is 0.01 if shipped from site A, 0.06 if from site B, and 0.03 if from site C.

A- What is the probability that a randomly selected customer receives a defective model?
B- If you receive a defective workstation, what is the probability that it was manufactured at site B?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


For A I got .0365 which was correct but I'm stuck on part B. My assumption was that I had to find P(B|DB) where DB is being from site B and defective so I would use the equation
P(B^DB)/P(DB) I just don't know how I'm supposed to find P(B|DB) when I don't know what P(B^DB) is
 
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lina29 said:

Homework Statement


A manufacturer of scientific workstations produces its new model at sites A, B, and C; 20% at A, 35% at B, and the remaining 45% at C. The probability of shipping a defective model is 0.01 if shipped from site A, 0.06 if from site B, and 0.03 if from site C.

A- What is the probability that a randomly selected customer receives a defective model?
B- If you receive a defective workstation, what is the probability that it was manufactured at site B?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


For A I got .0365 which was correct but I'm stuck on part B. My assumption was that I had to find P(B|DB) where DB is being from site B and defective so I would use the equation
P(B^DB)/P(DB) I just don't know how I'm supposed to find P(B|DB) when I don't know what P(B^DB) is
You should just be calculating P(B|defective). The condition shouldn't specify where it came from. Think about it. If it's given that the workstation is defective and from site B, the probability it came from B is 1.
 
I'm confused are you saying I should be calculating
P(B|defective)= P(B^D)/P(D)=(.0365*.35)/(.0365)=.35 (which was counted wrong)
OR
that the probability is 1 which I don't get since the condition does specify that probability and there's not 100% chance it came from B since A & C have defective models also
 
Last edited:
Never mind I figured it out. Thanks!
 
lina29 said:
I'm confused are you saying I should be calculating
P(B|defective)= P(B^D)/P(D)=(.0365*.35)/(.0365)=.35 (which was counted wrong)
OR
that the probability is 1 which I don't get since the condition does specify that probability and there's not 100% chance it came from B since A & C have defective models also

P(B \cap D) = P(D \cap B) = P(D|B) P(B).

RGV
 

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