Probability - A and B are two weak students

AI Thread Summary
A and B, two weak mathematics students, have probabilities of solving a problem correctly at 1/8 and 1/12, respectively, with a common mistake probability of 1/1001 when they arrive at the same answer. The calculations involve determining the probability of both students solving the problem correctly using Bayes' theorem. The initial solution yielded a probability of 1000/1077, but a small discrepancy was identified, suggesting that both students would indeed have the same correct answer if they solved it correctly. The discussion highlights the importance of accurately applying conditional probabilities in problem-solving. Ultimately, the participants clarify the correct interpretation of the probabilities involved.
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Probability - A and B are two weak students...

Homework Statement



A and b are two weak students in Mathematics. The chances of their solving a problem correctly is 1/8 and 1/12. The probability of them making a common mistake is 1/1001 and they obtain the same answer. Find the chance that their answer is correct.


The Attempt at a Solution



Let E1 be the event that A and B solve correctly
E2 be the event that A and B solve incorrectly.
K be the event that they obtain same answer.

P(E1) = 1/8 x 1/12
P(K/E1)= 1000/1001
P(E2) = 7/8 x 11/12
P(K/E2) = 1/1001

Now by Baye's theorem,

P(E1/K) = P(E1)xP(K/E1)/...

I got the answer as 1000/1077
The answer given is
13/14

There is a very very small difference in two answers.They are correct upto 3 decimal places.

Please tell me where is my mistake.
 
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If I understand correctly, P(K/E1) = 1. If they both get the correct answer, they get the same correct answer.
 
Last edited:


You are right. I got it.
Thank you verymuch!
 
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