Solving Basic Probability Homework: Can't Understand Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a probability problem involving the acceptance of lots based on the condition of fuses from two manufacturers. Participants are trying to understand the correct application of probability rules and the interpretation of the problem statement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relevant equations for the problem and how to interpret the probability calculations presented. There is confusion regarding the assumptions about the number of defective fuses in the lots and how this affects the probability of acceptance.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to clarify their understanding of the problem setup and the calculations involved. There is an ongoing exploration of different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the sampling method and the implications of the wording in the problem statement.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify that each batch contains a fixed number of defective fuses, leading to discussions about how to treat the probabilities involved. The distinction between sampling with and without replacement is also a point of contention.

Clara Chung
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't understand the solution.
Shouldn't the probability be
0.99^2 x (0.96^2 + 0.96(0.04) + 0.04^2) + (0.01 (0.99) +0.01^2) x (0.96^2).
Please someone explain the solution to me
 
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Hi,

So what are the relevant equations for (a) and (b) ?
Clara Chung said:
can't understand the solution
Which one? There are two solutions !
 
BvU said:
Hi,

So what are the relevant equations for (a) and (b) ?
Which one? There are two solutions !

I don't understand part a. I have no idea.
I think the relevant equations for (a) and (b) are simply basic probability rules like P(A) X P(B) = P(A and B)
thanks
 
Clara Chung said:
I can't understand the solution.
Shouldn't the probability be
0.99^2 x (0.96^2 + 0.96(0.04) + 0.04^2) + (0.01 (0.99) +0.01^2) x (0.96^2).
Please someone explain the solution to me

You didn't explain your own solution. I can't tell what you are thinking.

The text is computing:
Pr( lot accepted) =
Pr(lot is from B)Pr( two working fuses are selected| lot is from B) + P(lot is from A) Pr( two working fuses are selected from lot | lot is from A).

The wording of the problem does not tell us that each bath of fuses from manufacturer A contains exactly 4 defective fuses. So we must treat the probability that a "randomly selected fuse" from manufacturer A is defective as .04. By contrast if we knew that each batch of fuses from A contained exactly 4 defective fuses, we would be faced with a situation of "random sampling without replacement".

The wording of the problem says that a given "lot" of fuses consists of fuses from only one manufacturer, not fuses from both manufacturers. The numbers you used in your solution seem to come from considering fuses taken from both manufacturers during one test for acceptance.
 
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So what are P(A) and P(B) ? How do you think this testing takes place ? And how do you explain your 0.99^2 x (0.96^2 + 0.96(0.04) + 0.04^2) + (0.01 (0.99) +0.01^2) x (0.96^2) with this relevant equation ?
 
BvU said:
So what are P(A) and P(B) ? How do you think this testing takes place ? And how do you explain your 0.99^2 x (0.96^2 + 0.96(0.04) + 0.04^2) + (0.01 (0.99) +0.01^2) x (0.96^2) with this relevant equation ?

I interpret the question as taking 2 fuses from each of the box. When the 2 fuses from one box are not defective, the company accept one box. So I thought question a is asking the probability of accepting one box only (not both box accepted nor both not accepted). Now I understand the question is asking the probability of the company accepting one lot when only one box is examined. Thank you so much for both answers!
 
Clara Chung said:
I interpret the question as taking 2 fuses from each of the box. When the 2 fuses from one box are not defective, the company accept one box. So I thought question a is asking the probability of accepting one box only (not both box accepted nor both not accepted). Now I understand the question is asking the probability of the company accepting one lot when only one box is examined. Thank you so much for both answers!

The wording of (a) asks about a box; that means: (i) we receive a box; (ii) we draw two items from that box; (iii) we accept the box if both tested items are OK. So:
$$P(\text{accept}) = P(A)\, P(\text{accept}|A) + P(B)\, P(\text{accept}|B).$$
 

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