Approach for a type of Probability q

[gmatdriller]

Pls explain where to apply the formula below:

Solution = P(A)*P(NOT B) + P(NOT A)*P(B)
I'll be glad to have a good example.

Is this one a good example?
A student takes 2 tests on Biology & Maths;
What is the chance that he passes only one subject?

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Hi gmatdriller,

The formula you've listed is for situations in which there are two events, each with two possible outcomes AND the question asks for the probability that JUST ONE of the events occurs.

Your example matches this concept perfectly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[gmatdriller]

Hi gmatdriller,

The formula you've listed is for situations in which there are two events, each with two possible outcomes AND the question asks for the probability that JUST ONE of the events occurs.

Your example matches this concept perfectly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Thanks for the response, Rich.

Kindly help with standard questions that considers such criteria.

Thanks

[seandcarey]

If you didn't want to be bothersome in remembering formulas, you can think of it like a sample space.

Using your example, lets say that she has a 60% of passing biology, and 70% chance of passing math.

What is the probability that she passes both subjects?
.7 * .6 = .42 = 42% she passes both

What is the probability that she passes neither subject?
(1 - .7) * (1 - .6) - .12 = 12%

What is the probability she passes only one of the subjects?
1 - (.42 + .12) = .46 = 46% for a sample space of 1.

If we used the formula you provided, you'd get the same answer.

.7 * .4 + .6 * .3 = .46