Question

According to the Chronicles of Contrived Statistics (March, 2016), the probability that Elon Musk will offer you a free trip into space in the next month is 40%. The probability that scientists at Area 51 will begin sales of pet aliens in the next month is 26%. Finally, they list that probability of both happening in the next month is 16%. What is the probability that either Elon Musk will offer you a free trip into space or scientists will begin sales of pet aliens in the next month?

Answer in decimal form. Round to two decimal places as needed.

Answer 1

P(Elon Musk will offer you a free trip into space) = 0.4

P(scientists at Area 51 will begin sales of pet aliens) = 0.26

P(both happening) = 0.16

P(Elon Musk will offer you a free trip into space or scientists will begin sales of pet aliens) = P(Elon Musk will offer you a free trip into space) + P(scientists at Area 51 will begin sales of pet aliens) - P(both happening)

                                            = 0.4 + 0.26 - 0.16

                                            = 0.5