# Math Help - Probability of independent studies question

1. ## Probability of independent studies question

The probability that Andy studies math over break is 0.3 and the probability that Betty independently studies over break is 0.4. Find the probability Andy studies math over break and Betty doesn't.

P(B)=0.4 P(B)=1-0.4=0.6
P(A)=0.3 P(A)=1-0.3=0.7, Ok this is where I'm stuck do I add, Multi, or divide. List of possible answer are. My answer is 0.42 by going from my text book. Is this right. Thanks for any help given.

1. 0.12
2. 0.42
3. 0.18
4. 0.46

2. Originally Posted by kwtolley
The probability that Andy studies math over break is 0.3 and the probability that Betty independently studies over break is 0.4. Find the probability Andy studies math over break and Betty doesn't.

P(B)=0.4 P(B)=1-0.4=0.6
P(A)=0.3 P(A)=1-0.3=0.7, Ok this is where I'm stuck do I add, Multi, or divide. List of possible answer are. My answer is 0.42 by going from my text book. Is this right. Thanks for any help given.

1. 0.12
2. 0.42
3. 0.18
4. 0.46
Yes these are independent events so their probabilities multiply.

That it cannot be the sum can be shown by supposing both events have
probability 0.7, clearly the probability of both occurring is <1, so it cannot be
the sum.

RonL

3. I'm just going to show the work (you can figure out why it works):

$P(A\not{B})=P(A)\times(1-P(B))$

substitute: $P(A\not{B})=0.3\times(1-0.4)$

subtract: $P(A\not{B})=0.3\times0.6$

multiply: $P(A\not{B})=0.18= 18\%$

4. ## thank you both

thanks quick for showing me the brake down.

5. Originally Posted by kwtolley
thanks quick for showing me the brake down.
I for one am much happier answering you questions now that you are