Show that a sample space is valid by verifying properties

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on verifying the properties of a sample space in probability theory, specifically addressing homework problems related to dice rolls. Key issues identified include the need to clarify that events A and B are disjoint for certain equalities to hold, and correcting the notation in probability expressions. The participants emphasize the importance of precise symbols and suggest splitting sums into manageable parts to facilitate understanding. The final answers provided reflect these corrections and adjustments.

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  • Familiarity with notation used in probability theory, such as disjoint events and summation.
  • Ability to manipulate and evaluate sums, particularly in the context of probability distributions.
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a255c
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Homework Statement


http://puu.sh/nYQqE/2b0eaf2720.png

Homework Equations


http://puu.sh/nYSjQ/e48cad3a8b.png

The Attempt at a Solution


http://puu.sh/nYYjW/174ad8267c.png

My main issue is with part b) and part d). I think that part b) is mostly right, but part d) is definitely wrong and incomplete, and I have no idea how to do it.
 
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a255c said:
part d) is definitely wrong and incomplete, and I have no idea how to do it.
(d) is not too bad. The suggestions I would make are:
- in iii you need to state that A and B are disjoint, otherwise the equalities will not hold. Also the first ##Pr## should be ##Pr'##. You need to be careful with your symbols in a problem like this, as misplaced or wrong symbols lead to confusion.
- in ii, the statement ##\sum_{i\in S}\frac{n_i}{36}## should be ##\sum_{i\in S'}\frac{n_i}{36}## (care with symbols again). You'll probably find it easier if you split it into two sums ##\sum_{i=2}^6## and ##\sum_{i=7}^{12}##. Then use the above definitions of ##n_i## in terms of ##i##.
- the proof that ##P(\emptyset)=0## is not correct because dice have nothing to do with it. What is ##\sum_{i\in\emptyset}\frac{n_i}{36}## (how many terms are there in the sum?)?
 
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andrewkirk said:
(d) is not too bad. The suggestions I would make are:
- in iii you need to state that A and B are disjoint, otherwise the equalities will not hold. Also the first ##Pr## should be ##Pr'##. You need to be careful with your symbols in a problem like this, as misplaced or wrong symbols lead to confusion.
- in ii, the statement ##\sum_{i\in S}\frac{n_i}{36}## should be ##\sum_{i\in S'}\frac{n_i}{36}## (care with symbols again). You'll probably find it easier if you split it into two sums ##\sum{i=2}^6## and ##\sum{i=7}^12##. Then use the above definitions of ##n_i## in terms of ##i##.
- the proof that ##P(\emptyset)=0## is not correct because dice have nothing to do with it. What is ##\sum_{i\in\emptyset}\frac{n_i}{36}## (how many terms are there in the sum?)?

I have used your suggestions and have fixed my answers to this:
http://puu.sh/nZZZl/d243480f50.png

but I did not know what you mean about splitting the sums for d)ii, and I'm still unsure how to do d)i
 
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What are you trying to prove in (d)(i)? I think all the requirements of a probability space are contained in (d)ii and iii.

For splitting sums, replace ##\sum_{j\in S'}## by ##\sum_{j=2}^6+\sum_{j=7}^{12}## (I prefer to use ##j## rather than ##i## as an index variable because MathJax insists on inappropriately autocorrecting ##i## to ##I##).
 
andrewkirk said:
What are you trying to prove in (d)(i)? I think all the requirements of a probability space are contained in (d)ii and iii.

For splitting sums, replace ##\sum_{j\in S'}## by ##\sum_{j=2}^6+\sum_{j=7}^{12}## (I prefer to use ##j## rather than ##i## as an index variable because MathJax insists on inappropriately autocorrecting ##i## to ##I##).

I'm trying to prove property 1 for d)i.

I don't really understand how you get j = 2 and j = 7 though for the sums or where you get the two sums from to begin with.
 
a255c said:
where you get the two sums from to begin with.
You started with ##\sum_{j\in S'}##
What is ##S'##?
I'm trying to prove property 1 for d)i.
Assuming you prove ##Pr(S')=1## in ii, you just have to prove that ##A\subseteq S'\Rightarrow Pr(A)\leq Pr(S')##. Try splitting ##S'## into ##A## and ##S'-A##.
 
andrewkirk said:
You started with ##\sum_{j\in S'}##
What is ##S'##?

Assuming you prove ##Pr(S')=1## in ii, you just have to prove that ##A\subseteq S'\Rightarrow Pr(A)\leq Pr(S')##. Try splitting ##S'## into ##A## and ##S'-A##.
S' is 36, but I still don't understand how you got 2 and 7 specifically..

If I split S' into A and S'-A, then I say something like \sum{i \in A} + \sum{i\in S'-A} = \sum{i \in S}?
I'm not sure how splitting could help me for part d)i.
 
a255c said:
S' is 36
No it isn't. Look at the OP where ##S'## is defined.
 
andrewkirk said:
No it isn't. Look at the OP where ##S'## is defined.
Oh, i see what you are saying. So then I evaluate for n_j/36 for the two sums?

I did 2(1+2+3+4+5+6+7)/36 but this does not equal 1

I have modified my answers to this
http://puu.sh/o111N/1376d907c3.png
 
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  • #10
a255c said:
I did 2(1+2+3+4+5+6+7)/36 but this does not equal 1
That sum has fourteen terms (2 x 7). How many terms are there supposed to be in the sum?
 
  • #11
andrewkirk said:
That sum has fourteen terms (2 x 7). How many terms are there supposed to be in the sum?
10...

so it's 2(1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5)/36? That's 30/36 though
 

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