If P(A)=51 % and P(B)=65 %, what must P(A and B) equal to prove that P(A) and P(B) are independent events?

A. 33%
B. 51%
C. 65%
D. 58%

1 answer

To determine the probability \( P(A \text{ and } B) \) that would prove events \( A \) and \( B \) are independent, we can use the definition of independent events:

Two events \( A \) and \( B \) are independent if: \[ P(A \text{ and } B) = P(A) \times P(B) \]

Given:

  • \( P(A) = 0.51 \) (or 51%)
  • \( P(B) = 0.65 \) (or 65%)

Calculating \( P(A) \times P(B) \): \[ P(A \text{ and } B) = P(A) \times P(B) = 0.51 \times 0.65 \]

Calculating that: \[ 0.51 \times 0.65 = 0.3315 \] Converting this to a percentage: \[ 0.3315 = 33.15% \]

Now rounding to two decimal places or expressing it clearly, \( P(A \text{ and } B) \) must equal approximately 33%.

Thus, the answer is: A. 33%