SOLUTION: The probability that a family owns a washing machine is .68, that it owns a DVD player is .81, and that it owns both a washing machine and a DVD player is .58. What is the probabil

Algebra ->  Probability-and-statistics -> SOLUTION: The probability that a family owns a washing machine is .68, that it owns a DVD player is .81, and that it owns both a washing machine and a DVD player is .58. What is the probabil      Log On


   

Question 919262: The probability that a family owns a washing machine is .68, that it owns a DVD player is .81, and that it owns both a washing machine and a DVD player is .58. What is the probability that a randomly selected family owns a washing machine or a DVD player?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let

A = event that a family owns a washing machine
B = event that a family owns a DVD player

So, by definition

P(A) = probability that a family owns a washing machine
P(B) = probability that a family owns a DVD player

-------------------------------------------------------

P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A and B)


P(A or B) = 0.68 + 0.81 - 0.58


P(A or B) = 0.91


The probability of owning a washing machine, or a DVD player, or both is 0.91

Let me know if you need more help or if you need me to explain a step in more detail.
Feel free to email me at jim_thompson5910@hotmail.com
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Thanks,

Jim