Which rule of probability is used for mutually exclusive outcomes?
What are your choices?
The rule of probability that is used for mutually exclusive outcomes is called the Addition Rule. The Addition Rule applies when there are two or more mutually exclusive events, meaning that they cannot occur at the same time.
To calculate the probability of either of the mutually exclusive events occurring, you simply add up their individual probabilities. Mathematically, the Addition Rule can be expressed as:
P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)
For example, let's say you have two mutually exclusive events: getting a heads or a tails when flipping a fair coin. The probability of getting a heads is 1/2 (or 0.5), and the probability of getting a tails is also 1/2 (or 0.5). To find the probability of getting either a heads or a tails, you apply the Addition Rule:
P(heads or tails) = P(heads) + P(tails) = 0.5 + 0.5 = 1
So, the probability of getting either a heads or a tails when flipping a fair coin is 1.
In summary, the Addition Rule is used for calculating the probability of mutually exclusive events by adding up their individual probabilities.