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Determine if events A and B are mutually exclusive.

P(A) = 1/5 P(B) = 7/20 P(A or B) = 11/20
A) Not mutually exclusive
B) Mutually exclusive

User Liso
by
3.7k points

2 Answers

4 votes

Answer: B) Mutually exclusive

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Work Shown:

P(A and B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A or B)

P(A and B) = 1/5 + 7/20 - 11/20

P(A and B) = 4/20 + 7/20 - 11/20

P(A and B) = (4+7-11)/20

P(A and B) = 0/20

P(A and B) = 0

Events A and B are mutually exclusive because the probability of both events happening simultaneously is 0. One event or the other must happen, but both can't happen at the same time.

Here's a visual way to think about it: draw a rectangle, and then split the rectangle into two smaller parts. The two smaller parts don't have to be equal in area, size, or shape. Label the two smaller parts A and B. If you throw a dart at the rectangle, you'll land somewhere in region A, or region B, but not both regions at the same time. This is a demonstration of what it means to be mutually exclusive. Regions A and B do not overlap in any way.

User El Ninja Trepador
by
3.3k points
2 votes

Answer:This is mutually exclusive

P(A) = 1/5

P(B) = 7/20

The formula is P= P(A)+P(B)

P = 1/5+7/20= 11/20

Explanation:

User Gustavo Kawamoto
by
3.6k points