A sample space has two events A and B such that probabilities P(A ∩ B) = 1/2,…

2008

A sample space has two events A and B such that probabilities P(A ∩ B) = 1/2, P(A') = 1/3, P(B') = 1/3. What is P(A U B)?

  1. A.

    11/12

  2. B.

    10/12

  3. C.

    9/12

  4. D.

    8/12

Attempted by 19 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Solution: Use inclusion–exclusion to compute P(A ∪ B).

  • Find P(A): P(A)=1−P(A')=1−1/3=2/3.

  • Find P(B): P(B)=1−P(B')=1−1/3=2/3.

  • Apply the union formula: P(A ∪ B)=P(A)+P(B)−P(A ∩ B)=2/3+2/3−1/2=4/3−1/2=5/6.

Therefore, P(A ∪ B)=5/6, which equals 10/12.

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