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Addition Rule in Probability

Chapter 32

Concept Explanation:

The addition rule in probability is used when determining the probability that either one of two events occurs. The two versions of the rule are as follows:

  1. For Mutually Exclusive Events (events that cannot happen at the same time):

 P(A \cup B) = P(A) + P(B)

For Non-Mutually Exclusive Events (events that can happen at the same time):

 P(A \cup B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A \cap B)

Common Mistakes:

  1. Forgetting to Subtract Overlap: When dealing with non-mutually exclusive events, students often forget to subtract  P(A \cap B) .
  2. Incorrect Interpretation of “Or”: The word “or” in probability doesn’t always imply mutually exclusive; check if events can overlap.

Helpful Tips:

  • Venn Diagrams: Drawing Venn diagrams can help visualize mutually exclusive and non-mutually exclusive events.
  • Practice Identifying Event Types: Work on examples to distinguish between mutually and non-mutually exclusive events.

Hard Questions:

Q1: If  P(A) = 0.4 and  P(B) = 0.3 , and  A and  B are mutually exclusive, find  P(A \cup B) .

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Since the events are mutually exclusive:

 P(A \cup B) = P(A) + P(B) = 0.4 + 0.3 = 0.7

Answer:

  • The result is  0.7 .

Q2: If  P(A) = 0.5 ,  P(B) = 0.6 , and  P(A \cap B) = 0.2 , find  P(A \cup B) .

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Since the events are not mutually exclusive, apply the general addition rule:

 P(A \cup B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A \cap B) = 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.2 = 0.9

Answer:

  • The result is  0.9 .

Q3: If  P(A) = 0.25 ,  P(B) = 0.35 , and the events are mutually exclusive, find  P(A \cup B) .

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Since the events are mutually exclusive:

 P(A \cup B) = P(A) + P(B) = 0.25 + 0.35 = 0.6

Answer:

  • The result is  0.6 .

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