Describing the relationship between two sets A and B (probability)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationships between two non-empty sets A and B in probability theory, specifically examining conditions of independence, mutual exclusivity, and subset relationships. The participants clarify that if Pr(A|B) = Pr(A), then A and B are independent events. Additionally, if Pr(A/B) = 0, A and B are mutually exclusive, meaning they cannot occur simultaneously. Lastly, the condition Pr(A/B) = Pr(A)/Pr(B) does not imply that A is a subset of B, but rather that the probability of A occurring without B is zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conditional probability, specifically Pr(A|B)
  • Knowledge of independent events in probability theory
  • Familiarity with mutually exclusive events
  • Basic concepts of probability spaces and subsets
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions and properties of conditional probability
  • Learn about independent and mutually exclusive events in depth
  • Explore the concept of probability spaces and their applications
  • Investigate the implications of subsets in probability theory
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Students studying probability theory, educators teaching statistics, and anyone interested in understanding the relationships between events in probability.

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Hi I am new here!
hopefully someone is kind enough to reply fast and help.

so the question I am stuck is:

Describe the relationship between two sets A and B ( A and B are non-empty) if:
a. Pr(A|B)=Pr(A)
b. Pr(A/B)=0
c. Pr(A/B)=Pr(A)/Pr(B)

(Sorry guys can't get the fraction signs working! so / means fraction or divide)

Usually i'd add some working that i did, but i just can't understand the question it self and the notations used.
 
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Year10Student said:
Hi I am new here!
hopefully someone is kind enough to reply fast and help.

so the question I am stuck is:

Describe the relationship between two sets A and B ( A and B are non-empty) if:
a. Pr(A|B)=Pr(A)
b. Pr(A/B)=0
c. Pr(A/B)=Pr(A)/Pr(B)

(Sorry guys can't get the fraction signs working! so / means fraction or divide)

Usually i'd add some working that i did, but i just can't understand the question it self and the notations used.

Hello Year10Student. Welcome to the forum.

Can you please write out the definition of $Pr(A/B)$??

I know that $Pr(A|B)$ si defined as $Pr(A\cap B)/Pr(B)$. Substituting this, you get in part (a) that $Pr(A\cap B)=Pr(A)Pr(B)$. Thus, by definition, we conclude that $A$ and $B$ are independent events.

If you could tell us the definition of $Pr(A/B)$ then we can help you with the remaining two parts.
 
I am not sure but i think it means the same as Pr (A|B)

Thanks!
 
Year10Student said:
I am not sure but i think it means the same as Pr (A|B)

Thanks!
If so, does the solution to part (a) give you any ideas?
 
caffeinemachine said:
If so, does the solution to part (a) give you any ideas?

I'm not sure if its correct but ill have ago again!

EDIT:

a.

Pr (A and B) / Pr (B) = Pr (A)
Events A and B are independent.
Probability of A occurring doesn't affect the probability of B happening.


b.

P (A and B) / P (B) = 0
A and B are mutually exclusive.
The probability of A and B together equals 0. Meaning they can’t happen together.

c.

P (A and B) / P (B) = P (A) / P (B)
A is a subset of B.
 
Year10Student said:
I'm not sure if its correct but ill have ago again!

EDIT:

a.

Pr (A and B) / Pr (B) = Pr (A)
Events A and B are independent.
Probability of A occurring doesn't affect the probability of B happening.


b.

P (A and B) / P (B) = 0
A and B are mutually exclusive.
The probability of A and B together equals 0. Meaning they can’t happen together.

c.

P (A and B) / P (B) = P (A) / P (B)
A is a subset of B.
Yes that's correct!
 
caffeinemachine said:
yes that's correct!

thanks caffeinemachine!
 
Hi,
For part c), you really can't conclude A is a subset of B. All you can say is that $P(A\setminus B)=0$. That is the probability that A happens and B doesn't is 0. Example: Let the probability space be a square of unit area with the probability of a sub region of the square being the area of the region. Then take a triangle of area one half as a region, including the boundary edges. Imagine throwing a dart at the square. The probability of hitting the triangle is 1/2. Now take B to be the interior of the triangle. The probability of hitting B is also 1/2; i.e. $P(A\cap B)=P(A)$. Clearly A is not a subset of B. This just means the probability of hitting anyone of the 3 edges (each of area 0) is 0.
 
johng said:
Hi,
For part c), you really can't conclude A is a subset of B. All you can say is that $P(A\setminus B)=0$. That is the probability that A happens and B doesn't is 0. Example: Let the probability space be a square of unit area with the probability of a sub region of the square being the area of the region. Then take a triangle of area one half as a region, including the boundary edges. Imagine throwing a dart at the square. The probability of hitting the triangle is 1/2. Now take B to be the interior of the triangle. The probability of hitting B is also 1/2; i.e. $P(A\cap B)=P(A)$. Clearly A is not a subset of B. This just means the probability of hitting anyone of the 3 edges (each of area 0) is 0.
Good catch. This is correct. I am sorry I missed that.
 

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