Probability/Statistics Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a statistics problem involving probabilities of events A and B, including calculations for union, conditional probabilities, and independence. The original poster is seeking assistance with understanding the concepts and calculations related to these probabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations for P(A ∪ B) and question the interpretation of conditional probabilities. There is an exploration of the definitions of independence and mutual exclusivity of events A and B.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using Venn diagrams and clarified the meaning of notation. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations and definitions, with several interpretations being discussed. The original poster is attempting to verify their understanding and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of time due to other academic commitments, which affects the depth of their engagement with the statistics concepts. There is also mention of the original poster's brother-in-law's expectations regarding the assistance provided.

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 [tex]\cap[/tex] B) = .14

Calculate the following:

a) P(A [tex]\cup[/tex] B)

b.) P(A l B)

c.) P(B l A)

d.) P([tex]\bar{A}[/tex] [tex]\cup[/tex] B)

e.) P(A l [tex]\overline{B}[/tex])

f.) P([tex]\bar{A}[/tex] 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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