Simple probability question that I want to have work checked

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To achieve a 99.9% probability of producing at least one defective part from a machine that has a defect rate of 0.1%, approximately 6905 parts need to be produced. The calculations involve determining the probability of producing only good parts, represented as P(B) = 0.999^n. The complement, P(A), which represents the probability of producing at least one defective part, is calculated as 1 - P(B). The discussion clarifies the use of terms like "among" instead of "after" for accuracy in probability context. Overall, the computations presented are confirmed to be correct.
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Homework Statement


A manufacturing machine produces defects with a probability of 0.1%. How many parts must the machine produce to have a 99.9% chance of producing at least 1 defective part?

Homework Equations



P(A) + P(B) = 1

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
A in this case is the machine produces at least one defective part
B is the case when the machine produces all good parts

The probability that the machine produces a good part in the first try is:
P(B) = 1 - .001 = .999

The probability that the machine produces two good parts consecutively is:
P(B) = .999*.999 = .999^2

So I assume the probability that the machine produces n good parts consecutively would be:
P(B) = .999^n

Therefore the probability that the machine produces at least 1 bad part part within n consecutive parts must be:
P(A) = 1 - .999^n

Using P(A) = .999 and solving for n.

.999 = 1 - .999^n

ln(.001)/(ln(.999) = n = 6904.3 = 6905 parts

Does that make sense? That we need to produce 6905 parts to have a 99.9 percent chance of 1 defective part?
 
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thepatient said:

Homework Statement


A manufacturing machine produces defects with a probability of 0.1%. How many parts must the machine produce to have a 99.9% chance of producing at least 1 defective part?

Homework Equations



P(A) + P(B) = 1

The Attempt at a Solution



A in this case is the machine produces at least one defective part
B is the case when the machine produces all good parts

The probability that the machine produces a good part in the first try is:
P(B) = 1 - .001 = .999

The probability that the machine produces two good parts consecutively is:
P(B) = .999*.999 = .999^2

So I assume the probability that the machine produces n good parts consecutively would be:
P(B) = .999^n

Therefore the probability that the machine produces at least 1 bad part part after n consecutive parts must be:
P(A) = 1 - .999^n

Using P(A) = .999 and solving for n.

.999 = 1 - .999^n

ln(.001)/(ln(.999) = n = 6904.3 = 6905 parts

Does that make sense? That we need to produce 6905 parts to have a 99.9 percent chance of 1 defective part?[/B]

The probability that all of the first ##n## parts are good is ##P_n = 0.999^n##, so the complement of that is the probability that not all of the first ##n## parts are good. Your use of the word "after" threw me; I would rather use the word "among" or "within", because that is exactly what the quantity ##1-P_n## would mean.

Anyway, you computations make sense and are also correct.

PS: why do you write in all bold font? It makes it look like you are shouting!
 
Oops sorry. I clicked the space after the 3rd question, and everything after that came out bold. I just realized now that there is a formatting tool above. I'll edit that.
 
Thanks for taking a look. :smile:
 
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