Probability that Bill told the truth problem

  • Thread starter loganblacke
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Probability
In summary, the probability that Bill told the truth is 2/3. This can be calculated using the equation P(B|H) = P(B) * P(H|B) / (P(B) * P(H|B) + P(B') * P(H|B')). Therefore, the probability that Bill told the truth is 2/3.
  • #1
loganblacke
48
0
Bill tells the truth one-half of the time and Harry tells the truth two-thirds of the time. Bill says something, and Harry, who knows whether Bill told the truth, says, "Bill just told the truth". What is the probability that Bill told the truth?

Let:
B = Bill told the truth
B' = Bill lied
H = Harry told the truth
H' = Harry Lied

P(B) = .5
P(B') = .5
P(H) = 2/3
P(H') = 1/3


So there should be 4 possible outcomes.. (H|B), (H'|B), (H|B'), (H'|B').

I know that there is an equation for each of these, like P(H|B) = P(H|B)/P(B|H) or something like that I'm just not sure which equation to use. Please help! Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conditional_probability" may help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the probability that Bill told the truth in the given problem?

The probability that Bill told the truth in the given problem is dependent on the information provided and cannot be determined without further context. It is important to carefully consider all factors and evidence before making a conclusion about the likelihood of Bill telling the truth.

2. Can we use mathematical formulas to calculate the probability of Bill telling the truth?

Yes, mathematical formulas such as Bayes' theorem and conditional probability can be used to calculate the probability of Bill telling the truth. However, these calculations are only as accurate as the information and assumptions used in the problem.

3. How can we determine the reliability of the information provided by Bill?

The reliability of the information provided by Bill can be determined by assessing the credibility and trustworthiness of the source, as well as considering any potential biases or motives. It is also important to gather additional evidence and corroborating information to verify the accuracy of Bill's claims.

4. Are there any other factors that may affect the probability of Bill telling the truth?

Yes, there may be other factors that can affect the probability of Bill telling the truth, such as the context of the situation, the relationship between Bill and the person he is speaking to, and any potential consequences for telling the truth or lying. These factors should be taken into consideration when evaluating the credibility of Bill's statements.

5. Is there a way to determine with 100% certainty whether or not Bill told the truth?

No, there is no way to determine with absolute certainty whether or not Bill told the truth in the given problem. Probability is based on likelihood and cannot provide a definite answer. It is important to carefully evaluate all available evidence and make an informed decision based on the available information.

Similar threads

  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
5
Replies
147
Views
7K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top