Proving Independence of A & B: Probability Proof

In summary, in order to prove that A and B are independent, we need to show that P(A|B) = P(A) and P(A|B') = P(A) are equivalent. This can be done by setting the right-hand sides of these equations equal to each other and manipulating them using the given equations for independent events and conditional probability.
  • #1
jaejoon89
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Homework Statement



Prove if P(A|B) = P(A|B') then A and B are independent.

where B' is the complement of B

Homework Equations



if independent, P(A|B) = P(A)
also, P(A∩B) = P(A)P(B)

for conditional probability,
P(A|B) = P(A∩B) / P(B)

The Attempt at a Solution



P(A|B) = P(A∩B) / P(B) = P(B|A)P(A) / P(B)
P(A|B') = P(A∩B') / P(B') = P(B'|A)P(A) / P(B')

I'm not really sure how to go from here... What do I do?
 
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  • #2
If you know that P(A|B) = P(A|B') and

P(A|B) = P(AB)/P(B) and P(A|B') = P(AB')/P(B')

(where AB = A intersect B)

then why not set these right-hand sides equal and see what happens?

--Elucidus
 
  • #3
Yeah, I did that. Then P(A∩B) / P(B) = P(A∩B') / P(B') where ∩ means intersection

Sorry, I still don't see what should follow.
 
Last edited:

What is "Proving Independence of A & B: Probability Proof"?

"Proving Independence of A & B: Probability Proof" is a mathematical method used to determine whether two events, A and B, are independent. In other words, it is a way to determine if the occurrence of one event has any effect on the probability of the other event occurring.

How is the independence of A and B proven?

The independence of A and B can be proven through the use of mathematical formulas and principles, such as the multiplication rule and the definition of conditional probability. These calculations can help determine the joint probability of A and B occurring, and if it is equal to the product of their individual probabilities, then A and B are considered independent.

Why is proving independence of A and B important?

Proving the independence of A and B is important because it allows us to understand the relationship between two events and how they may impact each other. It also helps in making accurate predictions and decisions based on the probability of both events occurring together.

What are some real-life applications of proving independence of A and B?

The concept of independence of events is widely used in various fields such as statistics, economics, and science. For example, in genetics, we can use this concept to determine the probability of inheriting certain traits from our parents. In economics, it can help in decision-making processes, such as determining the likelihood of a stock market crash based on the performance of different industries.

What are some common misconceptions about proving independence of A and B?

One common misconception is that independence implies a cause-and-effect relationship between the two events, which is not always the case. Another misconception is that if two events are not independent, then they must be dependent, which is also not always true. It is important to understand that independence is a probabilistic concept and does not necessarily imply a direct connection between two events.

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