Question

The probability of a middle school student owning a skateboard is 0.58, of owning a bicycle is 0.48 and of owning both is 0.45. If a middle school student is chosen at random, what is the probability that the middle school student owns a skateboard or a bicycle?

Answer 1

The probability that the middle school student owns a skateboard or a bicycle is 0.61.

Explanation:

We are given that the probability of a middle school student owning a skateboard is 0.58, of owning a bicycle is 0.48, and owning both is 0.45.

A middle school student is chosen at random.

Let the probability of student owning a skateboard = P(S) = 0.58

The probability of student owning a bicycle = P(B) = 0.48

The probability of student owning both = P(S
`\bigcap` B) = 0.45

Now, the probability that the middle school student owns a skateboard or a bicycle is given by = P(S
`\bigcup` B)

P(S
`\bigcup` B) = P(S) + P(B) - P(S
`\bigcap` B)

= 0.58 + 0.48 - 0.45

= 0.61

Hence, the probability that the middle school student owns a skateboard or a bicycle is 0.61.