Probability of Or

[nycmathguy]

I found this online:

• Definition: Probability of or for mututally exclusive events If two events: E, F are mutually exclusive then the probability of E or F occurring is: P (E or F) = P (E) + P (F) This property applies regardless of how you calculate the probability of E or F. Moreover, the idea extends to more than two events.

1. What is meant by MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE?
2. Can rephrase the above definition using layman terms?

 

[MathLover1]

1. The meaning of MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE is being related such that each excludes or precludes the other; also : incompatible.

2.
If two events are mutually exclusive then the probability of both the events occurring at the same time is equal to zero. P(A and B) = 0

If A and B are two mutually exclusive events, then probability of A or B is equal to the sum of probability of both the events.
P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)

 

[nycmathguy]

1. The meaning of MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE is being related such that each excludes or precludes the other; also : incompatible.

2.
If two events are mutually exclusive then the probability of both the events occurring at the same time is equal to zero. P(A and B) = 0

If A and B are two mutually exclusive events, then probability of A or B is equal to the sum of probability of both the events.
P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)

I gather that mutually exclusive events happen at the same time.

Sample A

I can sit and talk. Mutually exclusive.

Sample B

Swim and drown are not mutually exclusive.

Yes?

 

[MathLover1]

Mutually exclusive events are events that can not happen at the same time. Examples include: right and left hand turns, even and odd numbers on a die, winning and losing a game, or running and walking.

Non-mutually exclusive events are events that can happen at the same time.

 

[nycmathguy]

Mutually exclusive events are events that can not happen at the same time. Examples include: right and left hand turns, even and odd numbers on a die, winning and losing a game, or running and walking.

Non-mutually exclusive events are events that can happen at the same time.

Cool. Are my two samples correct?

 

[MathLover1]

I can sit and talk. Non-mutually exclusive.(you can sit and talk at the same time)

Swim and drown is correct

 

[nycmathguy]

I can sit and talk. Non-mutually exclusive.(you can sit and talk at the same time)

Swim and drown is correct

Ok. I like this probability stuff. A bit fuzzy but I like it.