Probability and Contingency tables

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    Probability
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding probability calculations using a contingency table, specifically focusing on the interpretation of "AND" and "OR" conditions in relation to survey data about technology preferences among workers in different sectors.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the probability of selecting someone who wants a tablet computer and works in the manufacturing sector.
  • Another participant confirms the need to find how many individuals meet both conditions for the "AND" scenario.
  • A participant mentions the context of a quiz and provides specific calculations for both "AND" and "OR" conditions based on the survey data.
  • Concerns are raised about the appropriateness of providing help for a current quiz, with a request for clarification on the situation.
  • A later reply asserts that the calculation for the "AND" condition is correct and discusses the ambiguity in the "OR" condition, suggesting that multiple cells in the table could meet the criteria.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to clarify the conditions for calculating probabilities, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of the "OR" condition or the appropriateness of providing assistance for the quiz.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in the phrasing of the questions related to the survey and the calculations involved, as well as the implications of providing help for academic assessments.

gooses34
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Here is my question from table chart below as i ma getting a little confused with the AND/OR

Question: Of getting someone who would want his/her employer to offer free use of a tablet computer AND someone who works in the manufacturing sector?

[table="width: 500,class: full_border"]
[tr]
[td][/td]
[td]Smart phone[/td]
[td]Wireless business projector[/td]
[td]Tablet computer[/td]
[td]Total[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Workers in manufacturing sector[/td]
[td]1685[/td]
[td]1329[/td]
[td]2127[/td]
[td]5141[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Workers in the service industry[/td]
[td]1235[/td]
[td]2272[/td]
[td]1116[/td]
[td]4623[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Total[/td]
[td]2920[/td]
[td]3601[/td]
[td]3243[/td]
[td]9764[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]
 
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Hi goose34,

Welcome to MHB! :)

I think the question you are asking is what is the probability of someone using a tablet computer and working in the manufacturing sector? Is that correct?

How many people fit both conditions? How many people could possibly fit both?
 
Well its a quiz and this is what it says

We- Compute magazine did a survey of 9764 working people. They were asked these two questions.A. Do you work in the manufacturing sector or service industry?
B. If your employer were to offer you free use of one type of smart technology, which one would be most helpful to you at your job?The responses were put into the table you fixed for me.

And the question was

8) Of getting someone who would want his/her employer to offer free use of a tablet computer AND someone who works in the manufacturing sector... thought it was 2127/9764

9) Of getting someone who would want his/her employer to offer free use of a tablet computer OR someone who works in the manufacturing sector? ... I thought it was 1116+5142/9764

Thanks
 
If this is a current quiz you are taking for credit, than we can't help you. I'm sorry but unless we know that your teacher is ok with you receiving outside help then from our point of view we might be helping you cheat. If you are allowed to get help or this is for a past quiz or something, please let me know.

Please let me know what the situation is. While you think it over, this website might be helpful. It provides some examples of using contingency tables and probabilities.
 
Well it's not really a quiz its a question that i didn't understand that's all
 
Your calculation for the "and" condition is correct. It must match both criteria and we divide by the total.

For "or", the phrasing of the question is a bit unclear but it must meet either condition in order to be counted. Which cells meet at least one of those conditions? There are more than two. Anyone who works in the manufacturing industry or wants a tablet qualifies. We can count this a couple of ways but let's start with this.