Probability of Exactly 4 Defective Relays from 5 Random Select

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The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of selecting exactly four defective relays from a total of five, given that there are eight defective relays in a stockpile of forty and that more than two defective relays are known to be present. A participant initially attempts a solution but misapplies the conditions of the problem, leading to an incorrect calculation. The importance of recognizing this as a conditional probability problem is emphasized, suggesting that the solution should involve calculating probabilities for all possible defective counts (p_0 to p_5) and expressing the final answer in terms of these probabilities. The conversation highlights the need for a correct understanding of conditional probabilities in solving the problem.
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1. Homework Statement [

A stockpile of 40 relays contain 8 defective relays. If 5 relays are selected random, and the number of defective relays is known to be greater than 2, what is the probability that exactly four relays are defective?


Homework Equations



Calculus of probability

The Attempt at a Solution



I've been try to find the solution but I got confused. Can you guys help me?

This is my solution :

the probability from defective relays is : 8/40, the probability from 5 random is : 5/40 and the probability of 4 defective from 5 random select is : 4/5.
so my solution is ((5/40)/(8/40))x(4/5) = 25/32 =0.7815

is this right or my solution is wrong ... thanks
 
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Hi pluto31! Welcome to physics forums! :smile:

Your solution is wrong. The question has already told you that the number of defective relays is known to be more than 2. Apply this condition to your solution, too :wink:
 
pluto31 said:
1. Homework Statement [

A stockpile of 40 relays contain 8 defective relays. If 5 relays are selected random, and the number of defective relays is known to be greater than 2, what is the probability that exactly four relays are defective?


Homework Equations



Calculus of probability

The Attempt at a Solution



I've been try to find the solution but I got confused. Can you guys help me?

This is my solution :

the probability from defective relays is : 8/40, the probability from 5 random is : 5/40 and the probability of 4 defective from 5 random select is : 4/5.
so my solution is ((5/40)/(8/40))x(4/5) = 25/32 =0.7815

is this right or my solution is wrong ... thanks


Do you understand that this is a conditional probability problem? Suppose D = number of defects in 5 chosen relays. For now, suppose you are able to compute the 6 probabilities p_0 = P(D=0), \; p_1 = P(D=1), \ldots, p_5 = P(D=5). Can you express the solution to the problem in terms of these p_i?

Now you have the problem of computing the p_i for the relevant values of i. Can you see how to do that?

RGV
 
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