

InterviewSolution
1. |
A and B are two independent events. The probability that both A and B occur is 1/6 and the probability that neither of them occurs is 1/3. Find the probability of the occurrence of A. |
Answer» Given that A and B are independent events ∴ P(A ∩B) = P (A). P(B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) Also given that P (A ∩ B) = 1/6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) And P(bar A ∩ B) = 1/3 ................(3) Also P(bar A ∩ B) = 1 - P(A ∪ B) ⇒ P(A ∩ B) = 1 - P(A) - P(B)P(A ∩ B) ⇒ 1/3 = 1 - P(A) - P(B) + 1/6 ⇒ P(A) + P(B) ........(4) From (1) and (2) we get Let P(A) = x and P(B) = y then eq's (4) (5) become x + y = 5/6, xy = 1/6 ⇒ x - y = (x + y)2 - 4xy = 25/36 - 4/6 = 1/6 ∴ We get x = 1/2 and y = 1/3 Or x = 1/3 and y = 1/2 Thus P(A) = 1/2 and P(B) = 1/3 or P(A) = 1/3 and P(B) = 1/2 |
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