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Why P(A given B) differs from P(B given A)

Reversing a conditional probability changes its denominator. The overlap can be the same while the resulting conditional probabilities differ.

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Start with a consistent stated model

The model supplies P(A|B) = 65%, P(B) = 40% and P(A) = 50%. Multiply 65% by 40% to obtain joint probability P(A∩B) = 26%. That overlap is no greater than either marginal probability.

Divide by the new conditioning probability

For P(B|A), divide the 26% overlap by P(A) = 50%. The result is 52%. For P(A|B), the denominator was 40%, giving 65%.

Same overlap, different conditioning set
QuantityNumeratorDenominatorResult
P(A|B)26%40%65%
P(B|A)26%50%52%
P(A ∩ B)26%Full model26%

Check the remaining model cells

A only is 24%, B only is 14%, both is 26% and neither is 36%. The cells sum to 100% and reproduce the supplied marginal probabilities. This check supports the consistency of the example.

Avoid stopping at the joint probability

Reporting 26% as P(B|A) stops one step too early. Reporting 65% simply reuses the conditional in the other direction. Identify the condition in words before choosing its denominator.

Further references