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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationships between two sets A and B in the context of probability theory. Participants explore the implications of specific probability conditions, including independence, mutual exclusivity, and subset relationships, while seeking clarification on the definitions and interpretations of these conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if Pr(A|B) = Pr(A), then A and B are independent events, meaning the occurrence of A does not affect the probability of B occurring.
  • Others propose that if Pr(A/B) = 0, then A and B are mutually exclusive, indicating that both events cannot occur simultaneously.
  • One participant claims that if Pr(A/B) = Pr(A)/Pr(B), then A is a subset of B, although this assertion is later challenged.
  • A later reply questions the subset conclusion, stating that it is more accurate to say that P(A\setminus B) = 0, meaning the probability of A occurring without B is zero, and provides an example to illustrate this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on the interpretation of the third condition regarding subsets, with some asserting it while others challenge it. The discussion remains unresolved on this point.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions used, particularly regarding the notation for conditional probabilities. There are also limitations in the assumptions made about the relationships between the sets.

Byeongok
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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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