Since the fall of 2008, millions of Americans have lost jobs due to the economic meltdown. A recent study shows that unemployment has not impacted males and females in the same way (Newsweek, April 20,2009). According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 8.5% of those who are eligible to work are unemployed. The unemployment rate is 8.8% for eligible men and only 7.0% for eligible women.

Suppose 52% of the eligible workforce in the U.S. consists of men.

a. You have just heard that another worker in a large firm has been laid off. W hat is th e p ro b a b ility th a t this w orker is a man?

b. You have just heard that another worker in a large firm has been laid off. W h a t is th e p ro b a b ility th a t th is w o rke r is a w om a n? P-258