Suppose that an electronic system contains n components that function independently of each other and that the probability that component i will function properly is pi (i = 1, . . . , n). It is said that the components are connected in series if a necessary and sufficient condition for the system to function properly is that all n components function properly. It is said that the components are connected in parallel if a necessary and sufficient condition for the system to function properly is that at least one of the n components functions properly. The probability that the system will function properly is called the reliability of the system. Determine the reliability of the system.
(a) Assuming that the components are connected in series.
(b) Assuming that the components are connected in parallel.