Statistics (probability) problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a probability problem involving the selection of batteries from a truck crash scenario. The goal is to demonstrate that the probability of selecting 2r batteries without matching brands is given by the formula: 2^(2r) * n! * (2n - 2r)! / (2n)! * (n - 2r)!. Key concepts discussed include the use of expectation formulas, permutations, and combinations to derive the solution. Participants express confusion regarding the inclusion of 2^(2r) and its relation to subsets of selected batteries.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of probability theory and combinatorial mathematics
  • Familiarity with expectation formulas, specifically E(x) = Σ (x P(X=x))
  • Knowledge of permutations and combinations, including nPr and nCr
  • Basic grasp of factorial notation and its applications in probability
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of subsets and their relation to probability, focusing on 2^(2r)
  • Explore advanced combinatorial techniques in probability theory
  • Learn about the application of expectation formulas in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the derivation and applications of the permutation and combination formulas
USEFUL FOR

Students studying probability and statistics, educators teaching combinatorial mathematics, and anyone interested in solving complex probability problems involving random selections.

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Homework Statement


Basically the garbage information summed up: a truck is transporting a bunch of batteries, with lots of different brands. The truck crashes and the batteries and scrambled.

Suppose the number of pairs of batteries is n. Each pair is a different brand. If 2r batteries are chosen at random, and 2r < n, show that the probability there is no matching pair, by brand, is:

2[tex]^{}2r[/tex] n! (2n - 2r)! / (2n)! (n - 2r)!


Homework Equations


I don't know, but I can see that the expectation formula E(x) = [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (x P(X=x)) and the Permutation formula nPr = n! / (n - r)! and Combination formula nCr = n! / (n - r)! r! may be useful as they seem to be of a similar format to the given equation.


The Attempt at a Solution


The part is struggle most with is why they have taken 2 to the power of 2r. (2n - 2r) is obviously total batteries less chosen batteries. The denominator is total batteries by pairs less batteries, but again I'm at a loss as to why they have done this.

Can anyone shed some light?
 
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2^(2r) = # of all subsets of a set with 2r elements.

n! / [(2r)! (n - 2r)!] = nC(2r)

(2n)! / [(2r)! (2n - 2r)!] = (2n)C(2r)

Does this help?
 

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