Probability of independent events

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of independent events in probability, specifically focusing on the interpretation of Venn diagrams and the calculations related to the probabilities of such events.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the correct representation of independent events in Venn diagrams and question the validity of using the formula for the union of probabilities when events intersect. There is also a discussion about the implications of independence on the probabilities of events occurring.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications on the definitions of independent events and the appropriate use of Venn diagrams. There is ongoing exploration of how to accurately depict the relationships between the events and the implications of their independence.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and properties of independent events, particularly in the context of their intersection and how that affects probability calculations. There is mention of specific homework constraints regarding the interpretation of the problem.

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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