What does the Special Addition Rule in probability state?

The Special Addition Rule in probability states that when considering two mutually exclusive events, the probability of either event occurring is found by summing the individual probabilities of each event. This means that if you have two events, A and B, which cannot happen at the same time, the probability of either A or B occurring is given by P(A) + P(B). This rule is particularly useful when dealing with scenarios where events do not overlap, allowing for a straightforward calculation of combined probabilities.

This principle contrasts with situations involving non-mutually exclusive events, where you would need to account for any overlap by adjusting the sum accordingly. Understanding the Special Addition Rule is fundamental in probability theory, particularly in calculations involving disjoint events.