Probability: Replacement & Without Replacement

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter mathdad
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Probability
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of probability with and without replacement, illustrated through examples involving card selection from a standard deck. Participants explore the implications of these concepts in probability calculations, as well as the challenges associated with understanding probability word problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests simple examples to clarify the concepts of probability with and without replacement.
  • Another participant provides detailed calculations for the probability of drawing 4 aces from a deck, both with and without replacement, highlighting the differences in approach.
  • Some participants express that the ideas of probability are difficult to grasp and require practice.
  • There are suggestions that textbooks dedicated to probability may be beneficial for deeper understanding.
  • Participants discuss the availability of resources, including recommendations for textbooks and the potential of local libraries for accessing materials.
  • One participant mentions a specific textbook they used, while another expresses interest in a different series for learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that probability word problems can be challenging and require practice. However, there is no consensus on specific textbook recommendations, and opinions vary on the best resources for learning probability theory.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that while certain textbooks may provide problem sets, there may be better resources available for understanding the theoretical aspects of probability. The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and suggestions without definitive conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in learning about probability, particularly those seeking clarification on concepts of replacement in probability problems, as well as those looking for textbook recommendations.

mathdad
Messages
1,280
Reaction score
0
Can someone please explain the probability of replacement and without replacement with one simple example for each?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
RTCNTC said:
Can someone please explain the probability of replacement and without replacement with one simple example for each?

Suppose we have a standard deck of 52 cards, and we wish to compute the probability that when randomly selecting 4 cards from the deck, all 4 will be aces.

With replacement, we will always have 4 ways to draw an ace out of 52 possible draws, hence:

$$P(X)=\left(\frac{4}{52}\right)\left(\frac{4}{52}\right)\left(\frac{4}{52}\right)\left(\frac{4}{52}\right)=\frac{1}{13^4}$$

Without replacement, with each successive draw, we will have one less way to draw an ace and one less possible draws, hence:

$$P(X)=\left(\frac{4}{52}\right)\left(\frac{3}{51}\right)\left(\frac{2}{50}\right)\left(\frac{1}{49}\right)=\frac{1}{13\cdot17\cdot25\cdot49}$$
 
The ideas are not easy to grasp.
 
RTCNTC said:
The ideas are not easy to grasp.

Probability takes some practice, and even then it can be very difficult in certain scenarios. I find it to be one of the most challenging areas of math in which I have some kind of experience. :D

Luckily, I have grown my beard long so that I can stroke and tug on it when working probability problems. (Rofl)
 
Probability word problems are tricky and require lots of practice. Wish I had more time on my hands.
 
RTCNTC said:
Probability word problems are tricky and require lots of practice. Wish I had more time on my hands.

You would likely be better off getting your hands on a textbook dedicated to probability to learn the development of the elementary techniques. But, you are fortunate, there are several folks here who are quite knowledgeable in this topic and who can provide guidance if you delve into this area of study. (Yes)
 
MarkFL said:
You would likely be better off getting your hands on a textbook dedicated to probability to learn the development of the elementary techniques. But, you are fortunate, there are several folks here who are quite knowledgeable in this topic and who can provide guidance if you delve into this area of study. (Yes)

Trust me, I will dive completely into a probability textbook in the coming months. Can you recommend a good probability textbook from amazon.com? Usually, it is not just probability alone. Most of the time, textbooks in this area of math include statistics.
 
RTCNTC said:
Trust me, I will dive completely into a probability textbook in the coming months. Can you recommend a good probability textbook from amazon.com? Usually, it is not just probability alone. Most of the time, textbooks in this area of math include statistics.

No, I don't have a good recommendation...I would try your local library first. :D
 
MarkFL said:
No, I don't have a good recommendation...I would try your local library first. :D

What about asking someone in this forum?
 
  • #10
RTCNTC said:
What about asking someone in this forum?

Those who are both interested in probability and who may have a recommendation will likely read this thread. While I know several people here who know a great deal about probability, I don't want to name any names because that would place undue pressure on those members. It is best to let people volunteer information free from being "called out." :D

The textbook I used as a student was "Introductory Statistics, 3rd Edition" by Weiss/Hasset, ISBN 0-201-17833-8, Copyright 1991 by Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc.
 
  • #11
MarkFL said:
Those who are both interested in probability and who may have a recommendation will likely read this thread. While I know several people here who know a great deal about probability, I don't want to name any names because that would place undue pressure on those members. It is best to let people volunteer information free from being "called out." :D

The textbook I used as a student was "Introductory Statistics, 3rd Edition" by Weiss/Hasset, ISBN 0-201-17833-8, Copyright 1991 by Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc.

Since I am not going to dive deep into probability right now, I will search through amazon when the time is right. I want to continue posting from the David Cohen precalculus textbook, which has over 500 questions. Good night.
 
  • #12
RTCNTC said:
Since I am not going to dive deep into probability right now, I will search through amazon when the time is right. I want to continue posting from the David Cohen precalculus textbook, which has over 500 questions. Good night.

Cohen might be a good source for problems, however, for development of the theory, there are likely much better texts dedicated to the topic...that's all I'm saying here. And you might find good texts at your local library, that you can read, gain a better understanding, then return, without putting out any cash. :D
 
  • #13
MarkFL said:
Cohen might be a good source for problems, however, for development of the theory, there are likely much better texts dedicated to the topic...that's all I'm saying here. And you might find good texts at your local library, that you can read, gain a better understanding, then return, without putting out any cash. :D

You are not the only person to tell me this fact. Based on my questions/solution steps, they feel that the best choice for me is the MATH FOR DUMMIES series, which I actually enjoy.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
4K