Independent vs Mutually Exclusive — Probability & Statistics (Mathematics)

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Watch Out

Independent ≠ Mutually Exclusive

CSCA's favorite trap. Mutually exclusive events can't both happen. Independent events don't affect each other. Different concepts; different formulas.

Mutually exclusive \neq = Independent

Read carefully — pick the right formula

Mut. excl.

Can't both happen

$P (A \cap B) = 0$

Independent

Don't affect each other

$P (A \cap B) = P (A) \cdot P (B)$

Trap

CSCA mixes them

Always re-read before choosing a formula