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If \(A, B,\) and \(C\) are mutually exclusive events, is it possible for \(P(A)=0.3, P(B)=0.4,\) and \(P(C)=0.5 ?\) Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, it is not possible because the probabilities sum to 1.2, which exceeds 1.

Step by step solution

01

Define Mutually Exclusive Events

Mutually exclusive events are events that cannot happen at the same time. This means that if one event occurs, the others cannot occur. Mathematically, the sum of the probabilities of mutually exclusive events must be less than or equal to 1.
02

Calculate the Sum of Probabilities

Given that the events are mutually exclusive, we can calculate the sum of the probabilities: \[ P(A) + P(B) + P(C) = 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.5 \]
03

Evaluate the Sum of Probabilities

Compute the sum: \[ 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.5 = 1.2 \]. Since 1.2 is greater than 1, it violates the rule that the total probability of mutually exclusive events must be less than or equal to 1.
04

Draw Conclusion

Since the sum of the probabilities is greater than 1, it is not possible for all these events to be mutually exclusive with the given probabilities.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Mutually Exclusive Events
In probability theory, the concept of mutually exclusive events is an important one. Mutually exclusive events are those that cannot happen at the same time. If one event occurs, the others must not. This is similar to choosing between two different paths; only one can be followed at a time. For example, when you flip a coin, getting a head and a tail in one single flip are mutually exclusive events because those outcomes cannot happen together.

The principle of mutually exclusive events is reinforced by the rule that the sum of their probabilities cannot exceed 1. It helps us understand how different possibilities interact and shed light on making predictions about future events. So in scenarios where probabilities mathematically exceed the value of 1, it signals that the events are not mutually exclusive. This guideline ensures a logical framework to assess different outcomes.
Probability Theory
Probability theory is the branch of mathematics that deals with the analysis of random phenomena. It provides the mathematical framework for quantifying uncertainties and predicting outcomes. This theory is indispensable in fields ranging from statistics to engineering, helping to tackle uncertainties and analyze complex systems efficiently.

Within this theory, probabilities are assigned as values between 0 and 1. A probability of 0 indicates an impossible event, while a probability of 1 indicates a certain event. The sum of the probabilities of all possible outcomes must equal 1, ensuring every outcome is accounted for.

The case of mutually exclusive events, like those in the exercise above, where their combined probability exceeds 1, highlights a contradiction to this fundamental principle. This is a clear indication that all potential outcomes are not being accurately captured within the framework, making it a valuable check on predictive models.
Event Probabilities
Event probabilities represent the likelihood of particular outcomes occurring within the context of random events. Understanding them allows us to predict and calculate the chance of one or more events happening based on a known set of possible outcomes.

When dealing with probabilities, the individual probabilities must be considered in relation to each other. In the case of mutually exclusive events, the sum of their individual probabilities represents the chance that either one of those events will occur. This sum cannot logically exceed 1.

In scenarios where the event probabilities of mutually exclusive events add up to more than 1, the implication is a logical error. It suggests that events cannot truly be mutually exclusive with such measurements, as seen with probabilities of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 totaling 1.2. This highlights that careful consideration and appropriate rules must be applied to correctly define and sum probabilities.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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