Math Is Fun Forum

finitehelp

Member

Registered: 2009-06-21

Posts: 80

Please help! Probability Question

took an online exam today and I could have gotten a B if only I knew how to answer the problems below. If there is anyone who knows how to answer them I would appreciate a little help and clarification.

Probability

1.Give an example illustrating the difference between mutually exclusive events and independent events, and explain.

2.Create two problems with the solutions to one probability experiment involving mutually exclusive events and one involving independent events.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Please help! Probability Question

Hi finitehelp;

1)

2 events are mutually exclusive if after 1 of them happens the other one can't happen. A coin is flipped it has two outcomes. It can come up heads, or it can come up not heads (tails). These two outcomes are mutually exclusive.

2 events are independent if they have no affect on each other. If I flip a coin and it comes up heads and I flip it again, the second flip is independent of the first (also the first is independent of the second).

These 2 sites will help you answer your second question.

http://www.probabilitytheory.info/topics/independent_or_mutally_exclusive.htm
http://www.intmath.com/Counting-probability/9_Mutually-exclusive-events.php

Last edited by bobbym (2009-07-06 17:58:02)

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

sa

Guest

Re: Please help! Probability Question

:)Try going to A math forum,they may can help you.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Please help! Probability Question

Hi sa;

Whats wrong with this forum? Did I answer the question incorrectly? Do I know you from another forum because you have only posted undeneath me.

Last edited by bobbym (2009-07-08 10:24:58)

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.