Chances Are: A Primer on Probability [Paperback]

Susan F Wagner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130472999 | ISBN-13: 978-0130472991 | Publication Date: July 1, 2004

This friendly, informative reference is the only book on probability that does not require a calculus background or even algebra to understand. Uses easy-to-understand language to explore concepts. Offers real-life problems that demonstrate genuine applications of probability theory. Features clear, informative illustrations that enliven the presentation. Fosters an appreciation for probability in our daily lives. The perfect reference for anyone looking to learn more about probability.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Chances Are: A Primer on Probability is an exciting new book that will appeal to two groups of people: the layman who wishes to increase his/her knowledge of probability, and the college student who needs further explanations on probability—a topic in his/her mathematics studies. Chances Are is full of real world-based topics that are divided conventionally, but the examples are from "everyday life," including games of chance, insurance rates, lottery expectations, family gender composition, and other interesting settings for probability calculations. It's these everyday examples that make understanding probability and its importance intriguing and exciting.

Neither algebra nor calculus is required in reading this book or doing the problems presented.

About the Author

Susan Wagner, Ph.D, has been teaching mathematics for over 40 years. She is currently Dean of the Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Division at the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130472999
• ISBN-13: 978-0130472991
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,797,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific introduction to a subject we should all know better, October 25, 2004

By 

Craig Matteson (Saline, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chances Are: A Primer on Probability (Paperback)

This is a nice, short, clearly written, and amply illustrated introduction to probability. As the subtitle says, this book is intended as a primer - a first exposure to the topic. It would be suitable for high school students and anyone who wants to develop a basic understanding of the concepts involved in probability.

The book uses examples from games of chance (gambling), sports, and everyday life. The solutions to the problems are provided in the back, so it is a book that can be used for self-study - I consider this a huge plus.

Probability is a topic that should be more widely understood in our society. This book can begin the journey to that understanding for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of this vital subject.

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, A Good Book!, September 11, 2007

By 

jk "What is a Proof Anyway" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chances Are: A Primer on Probability (Paperback)

If you are mired down in a course on statistics and/or probability and you need a quick guide for getting the up and down of it all then use this book. It explains the ideas in a succinct and easy to understand fashion. If there is something in here you do not understand then it is a good sign you need to seek out someone to explain it to you. This will certainly help you get ready to handle the thinking involved in basic probability context. If you have not taken stats or probability yet, then this book will give you what you need to actually enjoy the work that is ahead of you.

The one downside for college students is that this book is at the high school level. So it will not by itself take you through the rigor you will need to meet a decent college level exam/lecture. There is another book called "Probabilities The little Numbers That Rule Our Lives" by Peter Oloffsson that delves into the deeper subtleties in a conversational manner. In other words, training for thinking through the foundations of the tough problems, lectures, and exam questions.