Probability Question - colored balls in 2 bowls - Baye's formula?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a probability problem involving two bowls containing colored balls. Bowl #1 has 2 red and 2 white balls, while Bowl #2 has 3 red and 2 white balls. A bowl is chosen at random, and participants are exploring the probability of selecting a red ball and the application of Bayes' theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the probability of choosing a red ball and question the correctness of initial calculations. There are attempts to apply Bayes' theorem to find the conditional probability of selecting Bowl #1 given that a red ball was chosen. Some participants express confusion over the formulas and calculations presented.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing corrections and clarifications regarding the calculations. Some have identified errors in the initial probability calculations and are engaging in a deeper exploration of the formulas involved, particularly regarding Bayes' theorem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the application of Bayes' theorem and the interpretation of certain probability symbols. Participants are also addressing potential typos in the original problem setup.

GreenPrint
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Probability Question -- colored balls in 2 bowls -- Baye's formula?

Bowl #1 contains 2 red balls and 2 white balls
Bowl #2 contains 3 red balls and 2 white ball

one bowl is chosen at random (each is equally likely)

(A) What is the probability of choosing a red ball?

Let R stand for choosing a red ball
B_{#} = Bowel #

P(R) = P(B_{1})P(R|B_{1})+P(B_{2})P(R|B_{2})
P(R) = \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} = .625

(B)
P(B_{1}) = P(R)P(B_{1}|R)

I don't know how to calculate P(B_{1}|R). Do I need to use Baye's formula?

Thanks for any help! Hopefully I'm not making this to complicated again lol.
 
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GreenPrint said:
Bowl #1 contains 2 red balls and 2 white balls
Bowl #2 contains 3 red balls and 2 white ball

one bowl is chosen at random (each is equally likely)

(A) What is the probability of choosing a red ball?

Let R stand for choosing a red ball
B_{#} = Bowel #

P(R) = P(B_{1})P(R|B_{1})+P(B_{2})P(R|B_{2})
P(R) = \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} = .625

(B)
P(B_{1}) = P(R)P(B_{1}|R)

I don't know how to calculate P(B_{1}|R). Do I need to use Baye's formula?

Thanks for any help! Hopefully I'm not making this to complicated again lol.

I'm not an expert in these things but you got part (A) wrong. Try it again. And for part (B), now it sounds like a good time to use Baye's formula.
 
Last edited:


Is it just (1/2)(3/4) for part A?
 


GreenPrint said:
Is it just (1/2)(3/4) for part A?

No, no. It's given by exactly the formula you wrote except you've got P(R|B_2) wrong. What is that? It's not 3/4.
 


GreenPrint said:
(B)
What is the actual question for B?
P(B_{1}) = P(R)P(B_{1}|R)
That would not be true in general. P(B_{1} \wedge R) = P(R)P(B_{1}|R), P(B_{1}) = P(R)P(B_{1}|R) + P(\neg R)P(B_{1}|(\neg R)
 


Ok so I figured out my mathematical miscalculation in A and was able to figure out the answer to B (I realized I forgot to post it).

What is that symbol mean?
¬?
 


GreenPrint said:
Bowl #1 contains 2 red balls and 2 white balls
Bowl #2 contains 3 red balls and 2 white ball

one bowl is chosen at random (each is equally likely)

(A) What is the probability of choosing a red ball?

Let R stand for choosing a red ball
B_{#} = Bowel #

P(R) = P(B_{1})P(R|B_{1})+P(B_{2})P(R|B_{2})
P(R) = \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} = .625
Surely you don't mean that second "+"?
\frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{4}+ \frac{1}{2}\frac{3}{5}= \frac{1}{8}+ \frac{3}{10}
Ignoring your typo with the "+", the probability that, drawing from the second bowl, you will draw a red ball, is 3/(3+ 2)= 3/5, not 3/4.

(B)
P(B_{1}) = P(R)P(B_{1}|R)
What, exactly, is the question? This is simply a "formula". What are you to do with it?
(And, by the way, an incorrect formula. After having picked a single ball, the probability that it was picked from bowl 1 is P(B_1)= P(R)P(B_1|R)+ P(W)P(B_1|W))

I don't know how to calculate P(B_{1}|R). Do I need to use Baye's formula?
That at least is easy to answer. There are a total of 5 red balls, 2 of them from bowl 1. Given that you picked a red ball, the probability it came from bowl 1 is 2/5.

Thanks for any help! Hopefully I'm not making this to complicated again lol.
 


GreenPrint said:
What is that symbol mean?
¬?

It's a logical 'not'.
 

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