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A new chewing gum has been developed that is helpful to those who want to stop smoking. If 60 percent of those people chewing the gum are successful in stopping smoking, what is the probability that in a group of four smokers using the gum at least one quits smoking?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The probability is 0.9744.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

We need to find the probability that at least one person out of a group of four smokers successfully quits smoking using the gum. This means we're looking for the opposite of the outcome where none quit smoking.
02

Calculate the Probability of Not Quitting

The probability that a person does not quit smoking when using the gum is 1 minus the probability that they do quit. Thus, if 60% (or 0.6) quit, then 40% (or 0.4) do not quit. Therefore, the probability of not quitting using the gum is 0.4.
03

Calculate Probability of None Quitting

For all four smokers to not quit, each must fail to quit, which has a probability of 0.4 for each smoker. So, the probability that none of the four smokers quit is the product of their individual probabilities: \( (0.4)^4 \).
04

Compute (0.4)^4

Calculate \( (0.4)^4 \), which is \( 0.4 \times 0.4 \times 0.4 \times 0.4 = 0.0256 \). This is the probability that none of the four smokers quit.
05

Calculate the Complement Probability

The probability that at least one smoker quits is the complement of the probability that none quit. Therefore, it is \( 1 - 0.0256 \).
06

Final Calculation

Subtract the probability of none quitting from 1: \( 1 - 0.0256 = 0.9744 \). This is the probability that at least one smoker in the group quits smoking using the gum.

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Key Concepts

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

Complement Rule
The Complement Rule is a fundamental concept in probability that simplifies the calculation of certain probabilities. Instead of directly calculating the probability of an event, you sometimes find it easier to calculate the probability of the event not happening, which is known as its complement. This is especially useful when finding the probability of "at least one" event occurring.
For example, in the chewing gum scenario, finding the probability that at least one smoker quits can be cumbersome if attempted directly. Instead, using the Complement Rule, you determine the probability that none of the smokers quit, and subtract this from 1. This gives:
  • Probability that none quit = \( (0.4)^4 \)
  • Complement Probability (at least one quiting) = \( 1 - 0.0256 = 0.9744 \)
This demonstrates the power of the Complement Rule in simplifying complex probability calculations.
Binomial Distribution
The Binomial Distribution is instrumental in solving problems dealing with a fixed number of independent trials, each with two possible outcomes. Each outcome is either a success or a failure. In our chewing gum exercise, it's used to model the probability of smokers quitting (success) or not quitting (failure).
When you observe these independent events with the same probability of success, the Binomial Distribution becomes an excellent tool. For four trials (one for each smoker using the gum) and a success probability of 0.6 (chance of quitting), it specifies the probability of different numbers of successful outcomes:
  • Total Trials, n = 4
  • Success Probability, p = 0.6
  • Failure Probability, q = 0.4
The distribution helps determine probabilities for "0 smokers quitting," "1 smoker quitting," through to "all smokers quitting." In conjunction with the Complement Rule, this simplifies calculating the probability of at least one success.
Complementary Events
Complementary Events occur when the probabilities of two events add up to one. These events are mutually exclusive, meaning if one event happens, the other cannot. In probability, knowing one often helps you quickly calculate the other using simple subtraction.
In our example, the event of "at least one smoker quitting" is the complement of "none of the smokers quitting."
  • Probability none quit = 0.0256
  • Complementary event probability (at least one quitting) = \( 1 - 0.0256 = 0.9744 \)
Understanding complementary events allows for faster calculations, particularly in scenarios where direct probability calculations are intricate or impractical. This relationship is broadly applicable, especially in experiments involving independent trials.
Statistical Analysis
Statistical Analysis involves collecting, summarizing, interpreting, and presenting data to reveal patterns or trends. In the context of probability, statistical analysis helps you make informed predictions based on sample data.
In the exercise about smokers and chewing gum, statistical analysis helps understand the likelihood of quitting. By analyzing historical data (e.g., 60% success rate), you estimate outcomes for new samples (such as a group of four smokers).
This analysis employs probabilistic models like the Binomial Distribution to inform predictions and decisions. Whether evaluating the effectiveness of a product like chewing gum or any other intervention, statistical analysis provides the framework for making evidence-based conclusions.
  • It helps identify probabilities of different outcomes.
  • Statistical models guide businesses or researchers in evaluating interventions.
Effective statistical analysis relies on interpreting data accurately, often using technology and software for detailed examination.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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