UNIVERSIDAD DE MONTERREY

VICERRECTORÍA DE EDUCACIÓN MEDIA SUPERIOR

ACADEMIA DE MATEMÁTICAS
PROGRAMA MULTICULTURAL
CÁLCULO I
Guide 5 – Two Special Cases: Mutually Exclusive
and Independent Events

Mutually Exclusive events

Two events, 𝐴 and 𝐵, are mutually exclusive if whenever 𝐴 occurs it is impossible for 𝐵
to occur and, similarly, whenever 𝐵 occurs it is impossible for 𝐴 to occur.

Events 𝐴 and 𝐴’ are the most obvious example of mutually exclusive events – either one
or the other must occur, but 𝐴 and 𝐴’ cannot occur at the same time.

Here is the Venn diagram for mutually exclusive events 𝐴 and 𝐵.

As the two sets do not overlap, then 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = Ø.

Events 𝐴 and 𝐵 are mutually exclusive if and only if 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 0

If two events 𝐴 and 𝐵 are mutually exclusive, the effect of the first event 𝐴, on the
second 𝐵, could not be greater – if 𝐴 occurs, then it is impossible that 𝐵 can occur (and
vice versa).
The occurrence of one event completely prevents the occurrence of the other.

Example 1
The numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are each written on an identical piece of card and
placed in a bag.
A random experiment is: 𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑔.
Let 𝐴 be the event ‘𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛’ and 𝐵 the event ‘𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛’.
a) Draw a Venn diagram that describes the random experiment.
b) Determine whether the events 𝐴 and 𝐵 are mutually exclusive.

Solution
The Universal set in this experiment is 𝑈 = {3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}. At the end all these
elements should be part of our Venn Diagram.
For the event 𝐴, where a prime number is chosen, analyze the numbers that are part of the
Universal set of the experiment. Of them, only 3, 5 and 7 are prime numbers, because
they are only divisible by themselves and by the number. Thus, 𝐴 = {3, 5, 7}.
For event 𝐵, an even number is chosen, observe that the even numbers contained in the
Universal set of this experiment are 4,6,8 and 10. Thus, 𝐵 = {4,6,8,10}.
The number 9, which is also part of the Universal set, remains outside both sets since it is
neither prime nor even number. Therefore, (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′ = {9}.
The Venn Diagram looks as follows:

By analyzing the diagram, realize that 𝐴 and 𝐵 do not share any of their elements, that is,
they do not intersect. That is, 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = Ø when is the same as, 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 0
Therefore, the events 𝐴 and 𝐵 are mutually exclusive.

Independent events
The other extreme is when the occurrence of the one event does not affect in any way the
occurrence of the other. Then the two events are mathematically independent of each
other.
𝐴 and 𝐵 are independent if: 𝑃(𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐴|𝐵)
The definition of 𝑃(𝐴|𝐵) is:
𝑃 (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 )
𝑃 ( 𝐴 |𝐵 ) =
𝑃 (𝐵 )
Then, if 𝐴 and 𝐵 are independent, we replace 𝑃(𝐴|𝐵) for 𝑃(𝐴) in the last formula thus:
𝑃 (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 )
𝑃 (𝐴 ) =
𝑃 (𝐵 )
Then after solving for 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) it results: 𝑷(𝑨 ∩ 𝑩) = 𝑷(𝑨) ∙ 𝑷(𝑩)

Therefore, 𝑨 and 𝑩 are independent events if and only if 𝑷(𝑨 ∩ 𝑩) = 𝑷(𝑨) ∙ 𝑷(𝑩)

Example 2
The numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are each written on identical pieces of card and placed
in a bag.
A random experiment is: 𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑔.
Let 𝐴 the event ′𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑑𝑑 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛′ and let 𝐵 the event ′𝑎 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟
𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛′.
a) Draw a Venn diagram to represent the experiment.
b) Determine whether 𝐴 and 𝐵 are independent events.

Solution
First, identify which are the numbers that belong to the Universal set of the experiment and
to each event according to the description of the problem.
The Universal set is 𝑈 = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}. At the end all these numbers must be
contained in the Venn diagram.
For the event 𝐴 where an odd number comes out, the numbers that are part of the
Universal set are: 𝐴 = {3, 5, 7, 9}.
For event 𝐵, where a square number comes out, the numbers that belong to this set are 4
and 9. Thus, 𝐵 = {4, 9}.
The remaining numbers that are neither odd nor square will be left out of the sets on the
diagram. This is the case of 2, 6, and 8. Therefore, (AUB)´={2,6,8}
The Venn Diagram looks as follows:

From the Venn diagram,

4 1 2 1
𝑃 (𝐴 ) = = 𝑃 (𝐵 ) = =
8 2 8 4

On the other hand,

1
𝑃 (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) =
8
Now apply the formula to determine if these 2 events are independent.
1 1 1
𝑃 (𝐴) × 𝑃 (𝐵) = × =
2 4 8
1 1
Since 𝑃 (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 8
and 𝑃 (𝐴) × 𝑃 (𝐵) = 8
then, the events 𝐴 and 𝐵 are independent.

When the occurrence of an event, let’s say event A, does not carry any useful information
on whether event B will occur we say that events A and B are independent.
For example, toss a coin a roll a dice at the same time. The probability of any possible
outcome of the dice does not affect the probability of any possible outcome of the coin.
If the experiment consists of two isolated events, then both events are independent, and
the intersection is the product of both probabilities.
𝑷(𝑨 ∩ 𝑩) = 𝑷(𝑨) × 𝑷(𝑩)
Example 3
Events A and B are independent. Suppose event A occurs with probability 0.66 and event
B occurs with probability 0.56.

a) Find the probability that both event A and B occur.

b) Find the probability that either A or B occurs (or both).

c) Find the probability that A occurs, or B does not occur (or both).

Solution
a) If events A and B are independent, then we use the formula 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐴) × 𝑃(𝐵)

𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) = 0.66 × 0.56 = 0.3696

Therefore, 𝑷(𝑨 ∩ 𝑩) ≈ 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒𝟎
Note: if the probability is expressed with decimals, the final answer is with decimals.

b) The probability that either A or B occurs is 𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩). We use the formula:

𝑃 (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 ) = 𝑃 (𝐴 ) + 𝑃 (𝐵 ) − 𝑃 (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 )

𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩) = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟔 + 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔 − 𝟎. 𝟑𝟔𝟗𝟔 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝟎𝟒

Therefore, 𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩) ≈ 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝟎

c) The probability that A occurs, or B does nor occur is 𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩′).

𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩′) = 𝑷(𝑨) + 𝑷(𝑩′ ) − 𝑷(𝑨 ∩ 𝑩′ )

𝑃 (𝐵′ ) = 1 − 𝑃 (𝐵) = 1 − 0.56 = 0.44

Because 𝑨 and 𝑩 are independent, it is also true that 𝑨 and 𝑩′ are also independent
events.
𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵′ ) = 𝑃(𝐴) × 𝑃(𝐵′ ) = 0.66 × 0.44 = 0.2904

Therefore:

𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩′) = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟔 + 𝟎. 𝟒𝟒 − 𝟎. 𝟐𝟗𝟎𝟒 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟎𝟗𝟔

𝑷(𝑨 ∪ 𝑩′) ≈ 𝟎. 𝟖𝟏𝟎

 UNIVERSIDAD DE MONTERREY
VICERRECTORÍA DE EDUCACIÓN MEDIA SUPERIOR
ACADEMIA DE MATEMÁTICAS
PROGRAMA MULTICULTURAL
CÁLCULO I
Lab 5 – Two Special Cases: Mutually Exclusive
and Independent Events

Name: ___________________________________ ID: ___________

1. An unbiased six-faced die is rolled. Consider the following events and determine if they
are mutually exclusive or not.
a) Event A: 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙 𝑎 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟
Event B: 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑖𝑥.

b) Event A: 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟

Event B: 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟.

c) Event A: 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙 𝑎 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟

Event B: 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟′

2. The numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are written on identical pieces of card and placed in a
bag. A card is selected at random from the bag.
Let 𝐴 be the event ‘𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑑𝑑 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛’
Let 𝐵 be the event ‘𝑎 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛’.
Determine whether the events A and B are independent.
3. The Venn diagram shows the number of students
who take Arts and/or Biology in a class. Use the
diagram to determine whether taking Arts and taking
Biology are independent events.

4. The Venn diagram shows the number of students who

take Chemistry and/or Biology in a class.
Use the diagram to determine whether taking
Chemistry and taking Biology are independent events.

5. A spinner has 10 equally sized sections, 3 of which are yellow and 7 of which are red.
The spinner is spun, and at the same time a fair coin is tossed. What is the probability
that the spinner lands on yellow and the coin toss is tails?
6. At a factory that produces pistons for cars, Machine A produced 476 satisfactory
pistons and 224 unsatisfactory pistons today. Machine B produced 552 satisfactory
pistons and 138 unsatisfactory pistons today. Suppose that one piston from Machine A
and one piston from Machine B are chosen at random from today's batch. What is the
probability that the piston chosen from Machine A is unsatisfactory and the piston
chosen from Machine B is satisfactory?

7. Events A and B are mutually exclusive. Suppose that event A occurs with a probability
of 0.6 and event B occurs with probability 0.06.

a) Find the probability that neither A nor B occurs.

b) Find the probability that either A occurs without B occurring or A and B both occur.

8. Events A and B are mutually exclusive. Suppose that event A occurs with a probability
of 0.53 and event B occurs with probability 0.18.

a) Find the probability that A occurs but B does not occur

b) Find the probability that either B occurs without A occurring or A and B both occur.
9. Events A and B are independent. Suppose event A occurs with probability 0.18 and
event B occurs with probability 0.87.

a) Find the probability that B occurs but A does not occur.

b) Find the probability that A occurs, or B does not occur (or both).

3 1
10. Let A and B be two events such that 𝑃 (𝐴) = 25 and 𝑃(𝐵) = 5

a) Find 𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵), knowing that A and B are mutually exclusive

b) Find 𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵), knowing that A and B are independent.

“This is my own work and was carried out in strict adherence to the honor code; any text or
reference that was not of my authorship is cited, including sources extracted using artificial
intelligence.
I am aware that any academic dishonesty is graded with zero and the protocols apply
according to the Academic Integrity Committee of Prepa UDEM.”

Signature:____________________________