Set Notation in Probability: Clarifying the Meaning of Union and Intersection

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Mesmer
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I'm having a little difficulty understaning the notation used in my probability class. Would someone tell me if I'm on the right track with it :)


[tex]A\cup B[/tex] is the event "either A or B or both." Does this mean that A and B can happen together and that A or B can happen alone?


[tex]A\cap B is the event "both A and B" Does this mean that both events MUST happen?[/tex]
 
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Mesmer said:
I'm having a little difficulty understaning the notation used in my probability class. Would someone tell me if I'm on the right track with it :)


[tex]A\cupB[/tex] is the event "either A or B or both." Does this mean that A and B can happen together and that A or B can happen alone?
Yes, that is the "inclusive" or: A or B or both.

[tex]A\capB is the event "both A and B" Does this mean that both events MUST happen?[/tex]
Yes.

Now I'm getting a message that my reply is too short! How long does it have to be?