Question

12.1.33 Question Help Suppose that 62​% of families living in a certain country own an HDTV and 16​% own a computer. The Addition Rule might​ suggest, then, that 78​% of families own either an HDTV or a computer. ​What's wrong with that​ reasoning?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Suppose :

62% own an HDTV

16% own a computer

Using the addition rule : suggests that (62% + 16%) = 78% either own an HDTV or a computer.

The reasoning is wrong because ; since it is possible to own both an HDTV and also own a computer at the same time, the outcome of the addition rule is wrong as both events are independent. If both event cannot occur at the same time (mutually exclusive event) , then, the addition rule may be applied,. But since both can occur independently and each family can own an HDTV while also owning a computer, then the addition rule is wrong for the scenario described.