What Are the Tests for Independence in Probability Statistics?

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To determine if events A and B are independent or mutually exclusive, it's essential to understand the definitions of these concepts. If the probability of the intersection P(A∩B) is zero, the events are mutually exclusive, meaning they cannot occur simultaneously. However, for independence, knowing that one event occurred should not affect the probability of the other, expressed as P(A|B) = P(A). In this case, the events A and B are independent, as they meet the criteria for independence. Understanding these definitions is crucial for correctly analyzing probabilities in statistics.
Biochemgirl2002
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Homework Statement
2. Let A and B be events with P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.3 and P(A
and B) = 0.8.
A. Find P(A∩B).
B. Are A and B independent events? Explain.
C. Are A and B mutually exclusive? Explain.
Relevant Equations
P(A or B) = P(A)-P(B)
A) (0.5)-(0.3)
=0.2

b)
c) i have no clue how to determine from just a set of numbers if they are independant or mutually exclusive
 
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rhiana said:
Homework Statement: 2. Let A and B be events with P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.3 and P(A
and B) = 0.8.
A. Find P(A∩B).
B. Are A and B independent events? Explain.
C. Are A and B mutually exclusive? Explain.
Homework Equations: P(A or B) = P(A)-P(B)

A) (0.5)-(0.3)
=0.2

b)
c) i have no clue how to determine from just a set of numbers if they are independant or mutually exclusive
The first thing you need to do is look up some definitions.
What does ##P(A\cap B)## mean? (Hint: It does not mean ##P(A \text{ or } B)##.)
What does it mean for events to be independent?
What does it mean for events to be mutually exclusive?
 
tnich said:
The first thing you need to do is look up some definitions.
What does ##P(A\cap B)## mean? (Hint: It does not mean ##P(A \text{ or } B)##.)
What does it mean for events to be independent?
What does it mean for events to be mutually exclusive?
i think i believe that it means only the intercept between a and b
which i found out was actually zero

if there is no intercept then they are mutually exclusive,

now that i know this . i am still having trouble understanding if they are independant
i found this website (https://www.zweigmedia.com/RealWorl...t for Independence,if not, they are dependent.) where they say that if they don't follow those 3 equations they are dependant, and so i believe it is dependant
 
rhiana said:
i think i believe that it means only the intercept between a and b
which i found out was actually zero

if there is no intercept then they are mutually exclusive,

now that i know this . i am still having trouble understanding if they are independant
i found this website (https://www.zweigmedia.com/RealWorld/tutorialsf15e/frames7_5C.html#targetText=Test for Independence,if not, they are dependent.) where they say that if they don't follow those 3 equations they are dependant, and so i believe it is dependant
Right, ##P(A\cap B)## is the probability of the intersection of events (sets) ##A## and ##B##, and you are correct that if that probability is zero then the events are mutually exclusive.
The tests for independence that you found are correct, and the events are independent. The key concept here is that events are independent if knowing whether one occurred does not change the probability that the other occurred. That is the meaning of ##P(A|B)= P(A)##; the probability of ##A## given that you know ##B## has occurred is the the same as the probability of ##A## without knowledge of ##B##.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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