Probability/Statistics Question

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SUMMARY

This discussion revolves around solving a probability and statistics homework problem involving events A and B with given probabilities P(A) = 0.61, P(B) = 0.42, and P(A ∩ B) = 0.14. The correct calculation for P(A ∪ B) is established as P(A) + P(B) - P(A ∩ B) = 0.89. The participants confirm that events A and B are not independent, as P(A ∩ B) does not equal P(A)P(B), and they are also not mutually exclusive since P(A ∪ B) does not equal zero. The conditional probabilities P(A | B) and P(B | A) are calculated as 0.333 and 0.229, respectively.

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  • Understanding of basic probability concepts, including union and intersection of events.
  • Familiarity with conditional probability notation (e.g., P(A | B)).
  • Knowledge of independence and mutual exclusivity of events.
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations with probabilities.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of conditional probability in depth, focusing on P(A | B) and P(B | A).
  • Learn about independence of events and how to determine if two events are independent.
  • Explore the definitions and implications of mutually exclusive events in probability theory.
  • Practice solving problems involving Venn diagrams to visualize probability relationships.
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Students studying statistics, educators teaching probability concepts, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding of conditional probabilities and event relationships.

srfriggen
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My brother in law asked me to look at this homework problem for him for a statistics class. He assumes that since I'm taking calculus that I must be able to learn statistics and probability. So I've tried to learn what I can this morning but don't see it going too far.



1. Homework Statement


Suppose that P(A) = .61, P(B) = .42, and P(A \cap B) = .14

Calculate the following:

a) P(A \cup B)

b.) P(A l B)

c.) P(B l A)

d.) P(\bar{A} \cup B)

e.) P(A l \overline{B})

f.) P(\bar{A} l B)


g) Are A and B independent events? Why or Why not?

h) Are A and B mutually exclusive events? Why or why not?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



a) P (A U B) = P(A) + P(B) = .61 + .42 = 1.03. (I feel this is incorrect).

b) I don't know how to calculate or attempt (AlB)

d) I don't know what the line over the A means.

g) The are independent if P(A U B) = P(A)P(B), but .14 not equal to .61 * .42, so not independent.

h) ?




Homework Statement





Homework Equations





3. The Attempt at a Solution




 
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Hi srfriggen! :smile:

Use Venn diagrams to find what to add, and what to subtract.

I guess the bar means "not".

A and B are independent if P(A and B) = P(A)P(B). :wink:
 
so they are not dependent since P(A and B) does not equal P(A)P(B)?

How do I know if they are mutually exclusive?

Is the answer to a) .89? P(A)+P(B) - P(A and B)?

And how do I calculate P(A l B)?



This seems like an easy problem, IF, I was taking probability or statistics haha. but I just don't have the time to learn it today. I have a calc II test wednesday that is taking up all my time.
 
srfriggen said:
so they are not dependent since P(A and B) does not equal P(A)P(B)?

yes
Is the answer to a) .89? P(A)+P(B) - P(A and B)?

yes
How do I know if they are mutually exclusive?

And how do I calculate P(A l B)?

Your brother-in-law should know the definitions of P(A l B), and of "mutually exclusive". :wink:
 
Ok, I think I figured out a few more. Can you let me know if I am correct?...

P(A l B) = P(A or B)/P(B) = .14/.42 = .333

P(B l A) = P(A or B)/P(A) = .14/.61=.229

- Are A and B independent events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal P(A)P(B)

-Are A and B mutually exclusive events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal Zero.I'll let him figure out the other 3 but I want to make sure I'm sending him the correct answers or I'll never hear the end of it! lol
 
srfriggen said:
P(A l B) = P(A or B)/P(B) = .14/.42 = .333

P(B l A) = P(A or B)/P(A) = .14/.61=.229

- Are A and B independent events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal P(A)P(B)

-Are A and B mutually exclusive events? Why or why not?
No, b/c P(A or B) does not equal Zero.

Yes, that's all correct, except that every time you've written "or", it should be "and". :wink:
 
haha, I keep getting those symbols confused!

Thanks for your help!
 

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