Chapter 11, Problem 1P

a)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability of snow tomorrow.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “subjective” in nature.

There is no surety that it will snow tomorrow. The probability is subject to change depending on the weather conditions. Therefore, the probability is subjective in nature.

b)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability of catching a fish.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “subjective” in nature.

The probability of catching a fish is not a surety and hence termed as subjective in nature. It is subject to change depending on catching the fish or not.

c)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability of the prime interest rate rising in the coming year.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “subjective and also objective” in nature.

The given probability statement can be both subjective and objective in nature. The idea of prime interest rating increasing the coming year could have been estimated with the help of background data and can be termed as objective. Even after computation, the event must occur for the statement to be true. Hence, the given statement can be termed as both objective and subjective.

d)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability that the Team CR will win the World Series.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “subjective” in nature.

The probability of Team CR winning the world series is subject to change depending on their performance and cannot be termed as a definite occurrence. Hence, the given statement is subjective in nature.

e)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability that demand for a product will be a specific amount next month.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “objective” in nature.

The probability that the demand will be a specific amount in the next month would have been calculated by careful analysis of historical data of recorded observations. Hence, the statement is objective in nature.

f)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability that a political candidate will win an election.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “subjective” in nature.

The probability that a political candidate will win the election is merely based on trends and judgment and is not backed by any data. Hence, it is subjective in nature.

g)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability that a machine will break down.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “objective” in nature.

The probability that the machine will breakdown can be termed as objective as every machine will have a certain lifespan and is likely to operate only until the specific lifespan. Hence, it can be expected the machine to breakdown at a certain point so that the statement becomes objective in nature.

h)

Summary Introduction

To identify: If the given probability statement is objective or subjective.

Explanation of Solution

Statement:

The probability of being dealt four aces in a poker hand.

Correct answer:

The given probability statement is “objective” in nature.

The probability of being dealt four aces is objective in nature. Each pack of cards contains 52 cards and contains 4 Aces in them. Hence, it is possible that 4 Aces are being dealt to a single person. Hence, the statement is objective in nature.