Probabality question involving conditional probabality

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The discussion revolves around a probability problem involving conditional probability related to the survival of a patient after an operation and the subsequent risk of organ rejection. The original poster attempts to calculate the probability of surviving both events based on given probabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of conditional probabilities and the correct application of formulas. There is a focus on clarifying what the conditional probability P(B | A) represents in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the original poster's calculations and the interpretation of the probabilities involved. Some guidance is offered regarding the correct relationships between the probabilities, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or answer.

Contextual Notes

There is a potential misunderstanding regarding the definitions of survival and rejection in the context of the problem, which may affect the interpretation of the probabilities. The original poster's calculations may be based on a misinterpretation of the conditional probability involved.

laurenkinnaly
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The probability of surviving a certain operation is .55. If a patient survives the operations, the propability that his or her body will reject the transplant within a month is .20. What is the probability of surviving both these critical stages.

I am going to say P(A) = .55 and P(B | A ) = .20

They want to know what is the probability that P(A and B) right?

So, P(B | A) = P(A and B) / P(A)
so P(A) * P(A|B) = P( A and B) .
so P(A and B) = .55(.20) = .11. But the answer in the back of my book is saying .44

Can someone explain why I am not getting the right answer?
 
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The key phrase is " surviving both of these critical steps".

What, exactly, does [itex]P(B | A) = 0.20[/itex] the conditional probability of? (Say it in words and see if it is the value you want to use.)
 
laurenkinnaly said:
So, P(B | A) = P(A and B) / P(A)
so P(A) * P(A|B) = P( A and B) .

First of all, the part in bold is incorrect.

You put P(A|B) = P(B|A)
 
╔(σ_σ)╝ said:
First of all, the part in bold is incorrect.

You put P(A|B) = P(B|A)

It would seem to be a typo by the OP, as the original numbers created were used with the original meaning.

The question is still: is it [itex]0.20[/itex] that should be used?
 
statdad said:
It would seem to be a typo by the OP, as the original numbers created were used with the original meaning.

The question is still: is it [itex]0.20[/itex] that should be used?

Okay.@laurenkinnaly

If the persons body rejects the organ does he/she "survive" ?
 

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