How do i solve this possibility question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a probability problem involving two independent experiments, A and B, with given probabilities of positive outcomes. The original poster seeks to determine the probability of at least one positive outcome from these experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the probabilities of the experiments, questioning the correct approach to find P(A∪B) and discussing the implications of independence on the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, examining different aspects of probability, including the calculation of negative outcomes and the implications of independence. Some guidance has been offered regarding the formulas to use, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of information regarding the interpretation of the probabilities and how they relate to the overall question. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the correct formula to apply in this context.

Dell
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how do i solve this possibility question

a scientist does 2 experiments, whose outcomes are independent of each other.

the possibility of a positive result in experiment A is 0.9
the possibility of a positive result in experiment B is 0.7

what is the possibility of a positive outcome in at least one of the experiments?

what i think i am looking for is P(A∪B) since i want either P(A) or P(B) or P(A∩B)

the problem is that i don't have enough information,
the answer is 0.97, which is P(A)+P(B)-P(A)*P(B), but how do i get to this, am i wrong in saying that i am looking for P(A∪B) ? which equation can i use to find this answer?
 
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What is the possibility neither experiment has a positive outcome?

How does this help you answer the question?
 
no not really, how can i find that possibility, i know that it is 1-P(A∪B), but how does that help
 
What is the probability of a negative result for each experiment? Then remember that the experiments are independent, so what is the probability that both A is negative and B is negative in terms of each individual probability
 
A negative - 0.1
B negative - 0.3

but from here what do i do, can i say that since they are independent P(A∪B)=P(A)+P(B), but that comes to more than 1,
i see what you are saying, for the negative reult 0.1*0.3, but what rule is this??
 
Assuming A and B are independent, [itex]P(A\cap B)[/itex]= P(A and B)= P(A)P(B).

[itex]P(A\cup B)[/itex]= P(A or B)= P(A)+ P(B)- [itex]P(A \cap B)[/itex]
and that is P(A)+ P(B) only if [itex]P(A \cap B)= 0[/itex] (A and B are mutually exclusive) which can't be true if they are independent.
 

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