Intersection

Definition

The intersection of two or more sets is the set containing all elements that are common to all the sets. In probability, it represents events that occur simultaneously.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The symbol for intersection is ∩.
2. If A and B are two sets, their intersection is denoted as A ∩ B.
3. In probability, P(A ∩ B) denotes the probability that both events A and B occur.
4. For mutually exclusive events, the intersection is an empty set because they cannot occur together.
5. The formula for finding the probability of the intersection of two independent events is P(A ∩ B) = P(A) * P(B).

Review Questions

• What does the symbol ∩ represent in set theory?
• How do you calculate the probability of the intersection of two independent events?
• What is the intersection of two mutually exclusive events?

Related terms

Union: The union of two or more sets is a set containing all elements from each of those sets.

Mutually Exclusive Events: Events that cannot occur at the same time; their intersection is an empty set.

$P(A \cup B)$: $P(A \cup B)$ represents the probability that either event A or event B or both occur.