Probability Problem Homework: Find P(Defective|Test Positive)

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on a probability problem involving defective components and the application of Bayes' Theorem. The probability of a randomly selected component testing positive is calculated as 17.2%. The correct interpretation of the problem requires defining events and conditional probabilities, specifically using notations such as P(D^+) for the probability of a component being defective and P(T^+|D^+) for the probability of testing positive given the component is defective. The first part of the problem was solved correctly, but clarity in expressing probabilities as percentages is recommended.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bayes' Theorem
  • Familiarity with conditional probability notation
  • Basic knowledge of probability concepts
  • Ability to interpret percentages in probability contexts
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  • Learn about conditional probability and its notations
  • Explore examples of defective item testing in quality control
  • Practice calculating probabilities using different statistical tools
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Students in statistics, quality control analysts, and anyone interested in applying probability theory to real-world problems, particularly in manufacturing and testing environments.

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Homework Statement



Suppose that upon using a particular testing device, a defective component has a 70% chance of being found as defective, and a non-defective component has just a 10% chance of being found defective. Suppose also that within a quality control batch, the probability of a randomly selected component being defective is 12%.

i)What is the probability that a component selected at random from the batch is found to test positive (i.e. tests as being defective)?

ii)What is the probability that a randomly selected component is defective, given it is found to test positive?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i)I said:

(0.12)(0.7) +(0.88)(.1)=0.172

ii)'m having trouble wrapping my head around this one. Did I use the correct method for the first part? Also any help in the second part would be much appreciated.
 
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teme92 said:

Homework Statement



Suppose that upon using a particular testing device, a defective component has a 70% chance of being found as defective, and a non-defective component has just a 10% chance of being found defective. Suppose also that within a quality control batch, the probability of a randomly selected component being defective is 12%.

i)What is the probability that a component selected at random from the batch is found to test positive (i.e. tests as being defective)?

ii)What is the probability that a randomly selected component is defective, given it is found to test positive?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



i)I said:

(0.12)(0.7) +(0.88)(.1)=0.172

ii)'m having trouble wrapping my head around this one. Did I use the correct method for the first part? Also any help in the second part would be much appreciated.

This problem is a simple application of Bayes' Theorem. Are you familiar with it?

The answer to the first part is correct, by the way, although it's better to express the probability as a percentage since you're given percentages to begin with.

Before applying Bayes' Theorem, start defining your events and your conditional probabilities, e.g. ##p(D^+)## is probability of a random article being defective and ##p(T^+|D^+)## is probability of test positive IF article is defective. Surely, you've seen this sort of notation?
 

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