Chapter 3.6, Problem 66E

There are many different blood type systems, but the ABO and Rh systems are the most important system for blood donation purposes. These two systems generate eight different blood types: $\text{A+}$, $\text{A}-$, $\text{B+}$, $\text{B}-$, $\text{AB+}$, $\text{AB}-$, $\text{O+}$, and $\text{O}-$.

a. For each of these eight blood types, use the Web to determine the percentage of U.S. residents that have that blood type. Interpret these percentages as probabilities. Use language like “the probability that a randomly-selected U.S. resident $\dots$”

b. You can always give blood to someone with the same blood type. In some cases, you can give blood to someone with a different blood type, or receive from someone with a different blood type. This depends on the donor’s blood type and the receiver’s blood type. Use the Web to complete the chart in Figure $3.55$.

c. For each of the eight blood types, use the Web to determine the percentage of U.S. residents that can donate blood to a person of that blood type. Interpret these percentages as conditional probabilities.

d. For each of the eight blood types, use the Web to determine the percentage of U.S. residents that can receive blood to a person of that blood type. Interpret these percentages as conditional probabilities.

Blood group	$\text{A+}$	$\text{A}-$	$\text{B+}$	$\text{B}-$	$\text{AB+}$	$\text{AB}-$	$\text{O+}$	$\text{O}-$
Can donate blood to
Can receive blood from

Figure $3.55$ Blood types

e. Are the probabilities in parts (a), (c), and (d) theoretical probabilities or relative frequencies? Why?