Probability Question - Chances Of Meeting Again

In summary, the probability of a person meeting another person 11 years after they last saw each other is approximately 1, assuming that the person interacts with about 3 people everyday and lives to be 62. This assumption is based on the fact that the average person will encounter close to half a million long lost friends every day.
  • #1
Kapacs
3
0

Homework Statement



Question is pretty straight forward. What is the probability of a person meeting another person 11 years after they have last seen each other. There are of course factors such as relationship, age, location and all that but we are assuming all of the people this person has encountered in their lifetime would have an equal chance.


Homework Equations



We also assume this given person interacts with about 3 people everyday and lives to be 62.

62years X 365days X 3 people= 67.890 people on average
 
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  • #2
This may not be the reply you are looking for, but the answer is 1.

I don't see the significance of 11 years (unless you ask about something that has already happened, in which case the probability also is 1), so I assume 10 years or more will do. I have met long lost friends several times, and I assume this happens at least once, on average, in everyones lives. With that mild assumption you get close to half a million such occurrences every day.
 

1. What is the probability of meeting someone again in a large city?

The probability of meeting someone again in a large city depends on various factors such as the size of the city, the frequency of your visits to certain places, and the chances of running into that person in those places. It is difficult to give a specific probability without more information.

2. Does the duration of time between meetings affect the chances of meeting someone again?

Yes, the longer the duration of time between meetings, the lower the chances of meeting someone again. This is because the larger the time gap, the more opportunities for both individuals to change their routines and habits, making it less likely for them to cross paths again.

3. Is there a way to calculate the exact probability of meeting someone again?

No, there is no definitive way to calculate the exact probability of meeting someone again. It is influenced by many variables, making it difficult to determine a precise number. However, statistical methods can be used to estimate the probability based on certain assumptions and data.

4. Are there any strategies to increase the chances of meeting someone again?

Yes, there are a few strategies that can increase the chances of meeting someone again. These include frequenting the same places, attending events or activities where the person is likely to be present, and staying in touch through social media or mutual friends.

5. How does the concept of probability apply to meeting someone again?

The concept of probability is used to estimate the likelihood of meeting someone again based on past encounters, the size and characteristics of the environment, and other factors. It helps us understand the chances of running into someone and make informed decisions on how to increase or decrease those chances.

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