Probability question involving intersections

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The discussion centers on deriving the formula for P(A and B and C) using conditional probabilities. The user initially attempts to express this as P((A and B) and C) but struggles with the logical sequence in their calculations. The correct formula is established as P(A) * P(C|A and B) * P(B|A), emphasizing that A occurs first, followed by B, and then C. Clarifications are provided on how to rearrange the terms to arrive at the desired result, reinforcing that the order of events does not affect the final probability expression. Understanding the correct application of conditional probabilities is crucial for solving such problems.
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Homework Statement


and is in reference to the intersection of a set.
I know the formula that P(A and B ) = P(B) * P(A|B)

Now we are given something of the nature of P(A and B and C) I am trying to figure out a formula for this. From my searches on google I only find people giving the formula and I really would like to figure it out for my self.

Here is my attempt even though it does not appear to align with the correct formula.

P(A and B and C) = P((A and B) and (C)
= P(K and C ) ; such that P(A and B) = P(K)
= P(C) * P(K|C) ( now I need to do ( B|A)
= P(C) *P(A and B|C)*P(B|A)

What exactly am I doing wrong? I must have made some sort of logical error.

Correct answer should be
P(A)*P(C|A and B) *P(B|A)
 
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If A happens first then B and finally C,
P(C/K) = P(C and K)/P(K)
=>P(C and K) = P(K)*P(C/K)
= P(A and B)*P(C/A and B)

P(A and B) = P(A)P(B/A) because A happens first and then B takes place.
Formula is correct. In your formula,B happens first.
 
TheKracken said:

Homework Statement


and is in reference to the intersection of a set.
I know the formula that P(A and B ) = P(B) * P(A|B)

Now we are given something of the nature of P(A and B and C) I am trying to figure out a formula for this. From my searches on google I only find people giving the formula and I really would like to figure it out for my self.

Here is my attempt even though it does not appear to align with the correct formula.

P(A and B and C) = P((A and B) and (C)
= P(K and C ) ; such that P(A and B) = P(K)
= P(C) * P(K|C) ( now I need to do ( B|A)
= P(C) *P(A and B|C)*P(B|A)

What exactly am I doing wrong? I must have made some sort of logical error.

Correct answer should be
P(A)*P(C|A and B) *P(B|A)

Note: this last expression is equal to
P(A)\, P(C|A \cap B)\, P(B | A) = P(C | A \cap B)\,\underbrace{ P(B|A)\,P(A)}_{=P(A \cap B)} \\<br /> \hspace{2cm}= P(C | A \cap B) \,P(A \cap B) = P (C \cap A \cap B)
You can go backwards and "undo" ##P(A \cap B \cap C) = P(C \cap A \cap B)## to get the final result you want.
 
Last edited:
AdityaDev said:
If A happens first then B and finally C,
P(C/K) = P(C and K)/P(K)
=>P(C and K) = P(K)*P(C/K)
= P(A and B)*P(C/A and B)

P(A and B) = P(A)P(B/A) because A happens first and then B takes place.
Formula is correct. In your formula,B happens first.
The order of events is immaterial.
 
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