Does Conditional Probability Increase with Dependence?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between conditional probability and dependence, specifically examining the implications of the inequality $P(A|B) > P(A)$ when $P(A) = P(B) = \frac{2}{3}$. Participants conclude that $P(B|A) > P(B)$ holds true, supported by the application of Bayes' theorem. The analysis confirms that if $P(A|B) > \frac{2}{3}$, then it necessarily follows that $P(B|A) > P(B)$. Thus, the first option presented in the discussion is validated as correct.

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  • Understanding of conditional probability, specifically $P(A|B)$ and $P(B|A)$.
  • Familiarity with Bayes' theorem and its application in probability.
  • Basic knowledge of probability distributions and their properties.
  • Ability to manipulate inequalities involving probabilities.
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  • Study the implications of Bayes' theorem in various probability scenarios.
  • Explore the concept of independence in probability and how it contrasts with dependence.
  • Investigate the properties of conditional probabilities in different distributions.
  • Learn about advanced topics in probability theory, such as Markov chains and their dependence structures.
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Mathematicians, statisticians, and students of probability theory who seek to deepen their understanding of conditional probabilities and their implications in dependent events.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

Suppose that for the events $A,B$ of an experiment it holds that $P(A|B)>P(A)$ ( $P(A)=P(B)=\frac{2}{3}$ ) then what of the following holds?

  1. $P(B|A)>P(B)$ ( $P(A|B)\geq \frac{1}{2}$ )
  2. $P(B|A)>P(B)$ ( $P(A|B)\leq \frac{1}{3}$ )
  3. $P(B|A)<P(B)$ ( $P(A|B)\geq \frac{1}{3}$ )
  4. $P(B|A)<P(B)$ ( $P(A|B)\geq \frac{1}{6}$ )
I have done the following:

$P(A|B)=\frac{P(BA)}{P(B)}$ and since $P(A|B)>P(A) \Rightarrow \frac{P(BA)}{P(B)}>P(A) \Rightarrow P(BA)>P(B)P(A)$.

Then $P(B|A)=\frac{P(AB)}{P(A)}>\frac{P(B)P(A)}{P(A)}=P(B)$, right? (Wondering)

When $P(A)=P(B)=\frac{2}{3}$, then $P(A|B)>P(A)\Rightarrow P(A|B)>\frac{2}{3}$.

How can we continue?
 
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Hey mathmari! (Smile)

Don't we already have enough information to figure out which answers are true or false? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Hey mathmari! (Smile)

Don't we already have enough information to figure out which answers are true or false? (Wondering)

(Thinking)

The first one is correct, or not? (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
(Thinking)

The first one is correct, or not? (Wondering)

Hmm... let's see...

We found that $P(A|B) > \frac 23$.
Does that imply that $P(A|B) \ge \frac 12$ or not? (Wondering)
 
In addition to I Like Serena's post, making use of Bayes rule:
$$P(B \ | \ A) = \frac{P(A \ | \ B) P(B)}{P(A)} = P(A \ | \ B) > P(A) = P(B).$$
Hence, first answer is indeed correct.
 

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