[Math] A Probability Problem about the $Trypanosoma$ parasite

probability

Considering the distribution of Trypanosoma (parasite) lengths shown below, suppose we take a sample of two Tryoanosomes. What is the probability that:

a) both Trypanosomes will be shorter than 20um?

b) the first Trypanosome will be shorter than 20um and the second will be longer than 25um?

c) exactly one of the Trypanosomes will be shorter than 20um and one will be longer than 25um?

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I have no idea were to start. Even though it looks like an easy solution, this question is kind of confusing, especially the B and C part. Could someone please help me to get on the right track? Thank you for your help guys!

Best Answer

All three questions can be solved in a pretty similar fashion. The key to answering them is using the rule that, if $A$ and $B$ are independent events, then $P(A\cap B) = P(A)P(B)$ — in other words, multiply the probabilities of each event. So for example, the probability of selecting a parasite shorter than 20 micrometers is $0.01 + 0.34 = 0.35$. The probability of selecting two such parasites, then, is $(0.35)(0.35) = 0.1225$.

There is a twist in the final question. The second question dictates what order you select the parasites in. But the third question states simply that you pick two parasites. Therefore, you could pick the shorter parasite followed by the longer one or the longer one followed by the shorter one. If $A$ is the first event and $B$ the second, you're seeking $P(A\cup B)$. If $P(A\cap B) = 0$ — which is the case here; it's impossible to pick both the shorter parasite and the longer one first — then $P(A\cap B) = P(A) + P(B)$.

Does that make sense?

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