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:
- For Mutually Exclusive Events (events that cannot happen at the same time):
For Non-Mutually Exclusive Events (events that can happen at the same time):
Common Mistakes:
- Forgetting to Subtract Overlap: When dealing with non-mutually exclusive events, students often forget to subtract .
- 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 and , and and are mutually exclusive, find .
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Since the events are mutually exclusive:
Answer:
- The result is .
Q2: If , , and , find .
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Since the events are not mutually exclusive, apply the general addition rule:
Answer:
- The result is .
Q3: If , , and the events are mutually exclusive, find .
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Since the events are mutually exclusive:
Answer:
- The result is .