Quick help in easy-ish probability

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating probabilities related to prize distribution among winners, specifically focusing on the likelihood of certain winners receiving cars, bicycles, or watches. The context is rooted in combinatorial probability, with specific conditions affecting the outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various probability calculations, including conditional probabilities and joint probabilities. There is an exploration of the correct interpretation of the problem statement, particularly regarding the conditions under which probabilities are calculated.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the setup of the probability calculations and clarifying the conditions for different scenarios. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the problem, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of conditional probabilities and the correct definitions of events involved in the calculations. There is a recognition of the need to adjust calculations based on the number of prizes remaining after certain winners are considered.

rock.freak667
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Homework Statement



Here is the basic info. There are 24 prizes(4 cars,8 bicycles and 12 watches) to be given to 24 prize winners. A,B,C are 3 of the prize winners.
Find
(i)The probability that both A and B get cars given that C gets a car.
(ii)The probability that either A or C or both gets a car
(iii)The probability that A gets a car and B gets either a car of a bicycle
(iv)The probability that A gets a car given then B gets either a car or a bicycle.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



(i)P([itex]A_c&B_c|C_c[/itex])=[tex]\frac{\frac{3}{23}*\frac{2}{22}}{\frac{4}{24}}[/tex]

(ii)simply I got this one by finding when they both did not get cars and then 1 minus that value.

(iii)[itex]\frac{4}{24}*\frac{3}{23}+\frac{4}{24}*\frac{8}{23}[/itex]

(iv)This part confused me as I got a way wrong answer.(ANS=[itex]\frac{11}{69}[/itex], which I got something way smaller than that)
 
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(iv) Does the sentence read "The probability that A gets a car given that B gets either a car or a bicycle."

EDIT: correct method follows.
 
Last edited:
Shooting star said:
(iv) Does the sentence read "The probability that A gets a car given that B gets either a car or a bicycle."

If that is the case, then P(B gets car)*P(A gets car) + P(B gets bicycle)*P(A gets car) = 4/24*3/23 + 8/24*4/23 = 4*11/(24*23) = 11/(6*23) = (1/2)*11/69.

Aren't you supposed to use
[tex]P(A|B)=\frac{P(A\cap B)}{P(B)}[/tex]
 
All right. What is P(B) in that case? More importantly, what would be P(A_int_B)?
 
Shooting star said:
All right. What is P(B) in that case? More importantly, what would be P(A_int_B)?


B should be the probability of getting a car or a bicycle which is 4/24+8/24.

and so P(A_int_B)=4/24*(4/24+8/24)
 
rock.freak667 said:
and so P(A_int_B)=4/24*(4/24+8/24)

Shouldn't it be P(A_int_B)=4/24*(4/23+8/23)? Take a sec...
 
Which gives you again your old answer...

Do you know the correct result?
 
Shooting star said:
Shouldn't it be P(A_int_B)=4/24*(4/23+8/23)? Take a sec...
oh it is 23 because A gets a prize and there are 23 left...stupid me.

Shooting star said:
Which gives you again your old answer...

Do you know the correct result?

the answer is 11/69
 

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