Probability of independent events

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The discussion focuses on understanding the probability of independent events using Venn diagrams. It clarifies that for independent events, the probability of their intersection is calculated as P(A ∩ B) = P(A)P(B), rather than simply adding their probabilities. The original poster mistakenly applied the formula for non-intersecting sets, leading to confusion about the correct representation in a Venn diagram. The conversation emphasizes that independent events maintain their probabilities regardless of the occurrence of the other event. Ultimately, the correct visualization distinguishes between independent and dependent events.
desmond iking
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i have drawn the venn diagram for the question... i am not sure it's correct or not. the question states both are independent events. i don't understand the working in part b ... for me , my ans would be p(A) +p(B).. correct me if i am wrong. thanks in advance.
 

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Set A should be the set of all products with defect A
Similarly for set B.
Now can you see why the sets intersect?

What does that look like on a venn diagram? (hint: not like you did).

Independent events are those whose probability is not affected by the occurrence of the other.
i.e. where P(A|B)=P(A), P(B|A)=P(B)

Since: P(A|B)=P(AnB)/P(B)
This means that for independent events, P(AnB)=P(A)P(B).

(using AnB = "A intersection B")
 
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Simon Bridge said:
Set A should be the set of all products with defect A
Similarly for set B.
Now can you see why the sets intersect?

What does that look like on a venn diagram? (hint: not like you did).

Independent events are those whose probability is not affected by the occurrence of the other.
i.e. where P(A|B)=P(A), P(B|A)=P(B)

Since: P(A|B)=P(AnB)/P(B)
This means that for independent events, P(AnB)=P(A)P(B).

(using AnB = "A intersection B")

the venn diagram look like this?
 

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desmond iking said:
the venn diagram look like this?

Correct. Do you see now why your answer was wrong? You essentially did the following:

\mathbb{P}(A\cup B) = \mathbb{P}(A) + \mathbb{P}(B)

which is only allowed if ##A## and ##B## do not intersect. But ##A## and ##B## do intersect here, so you cannot apply this formula!
 
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To be a little more specific about independent events -- If events A and B are independent, the probability of event A happening is the same whether B occurs or not. And the converse is true. One way to show that in a Venn diagram is to draw A as a horizontal slice of the whole diagram, and B as a vertical slice of the whole diagram. That way the percent of A within B is the same as the percent of A within the entire diagram (and vice versa). The first diagram in the attachment shows independent events and the second diagram shows dependent events
venn_diagram_independent_events.png
 

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