Very simple proof of P(A) > P(B)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that P(A) > P(B) given the conditions P(A|C) > P(B|C) and P(A|¬C) > P(B|¬C). The subject area is probability theory, specifically focusing on conditional probabilities and their implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to formally write a proof based on intuitive reasoning about probabilities in different sample spaces. Some participants suggest mathematical expressions and relationships, while others explore the implications of known probability identities.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering various mathematical approaches and discussing potential next steps. There is a mix of exploration and reasoning, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses difficulty in formal proofs and seeks assistance in structuring their reasoning mathematically. There is an acknowledgment of the challenge in transitioning from intuitive understanding to formal proof.

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Homework Statement


Given that P(A|C) > P(B|C) and P(A|[tex]\bar{C}[/tex]) > P(B|[tex]\bar{C}[/tex]), prove that P(A) > P(B)

Homework Equations


How do I write the proof formally?

The Attempt at a Solution


This seems to me intuitively obvious. There are only two sample spaces, either C occurs or does not occur. In both instances, A has a higher chance of ocurrence than B. So how can P(A) NOT be always greater than P(B)? I have been told that P(A) > P(B) can be proven mathematically. However I'm not good at formal proofs. Can anyone help me write this out in mathematical form?

Many thanks!
 
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I'd try something like this:
P(A) = P(B) [ P(A | B) / P(B | A) ]
What can you say about the bracketed term, possibly using that
[tex]P(A \mid B) = \frac{P(A \cap B)}{P(B)}[/tex]

Not guaranteed to work, but it might.
 
Remember that [itex]P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A and B)[/itex].
 
I managed to work this proof down to P(A)-P(AUC)> P(B)-P(BUC) and P(A)-P(AU~C) > P(B)-P(BU~C) but I am not sure where to go from there!
 

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