The Probabilistic Method (Wiley Series in Discrete Mathematics and Optimization) [Hardcover]

Noga Alon (Author), Joel H. Spencer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0471535885 | ISBN-13: 978-0471535881 | Edition: 1

One of the most powerful and popular tools used in combinatorics is the probabilistic method. Describes current algorithmic techniques, applying both the classical method and the modern tools it uses. Along with a detailed description of the techniques used in probabilistic arguments, it includes basic methods which utilize expectation and variance plus recent applications of martingales and correlation inequalities. Examines discrepancy and random graphs and covers such topics as theoretical computer science, computational geometry, derandomization of randomized algorithms and more. A study of various topics using successful probabilistic techniques is included along with an Open Problems Appendix by Paul Erd?s, the founder of the probabilistic method.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an exciting well-written book which will give much enjoyment to a reader..." (Mathematical Reviews, 2003f) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

One of the most powerful and popular tools used in combinatorics is the probabilistic method. Describes current algorithmic techniques, applying both the classical method and the modern tools it uses. Along with a detailed description of the techniques used in probabilistic arguments, it includes basic methods which utilize expectation and variance plus recent applications of martingales and correlation inequalities. Examines discrepancy and random graphs and covers such topics as theoretical computer science, computational geometry, derandomization of randomized algorithms and more. A study of various topics using successful probabilistic techniques is included along with an Open Problems Appendix by Paul Erdos, the founder of the probabilistic method.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 1 edition (November 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471535885
• ISBN-13: 978-0471535881
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,226,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn from the masters, July 3, 2001

By 

Wonk "yeager" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Probabilistic Method (Wiley Series in Discrete Mathematics and Optimization) (Hardcover)

This book shows you how to approach problems in discrete mathematics that don't seem to be probabilistic at all, and nonetheless to apply probabilistic methods to find extremely sharp results. The book is full of beautifully chosen examples worked out by the authors, who are world class researchers in this subject area. Should be on the bookshelf of everyone who uses discrete mathematics.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting book, September 14, 2000

By 

Todd Ebert (Long Beach California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Probabilistic Method (Wiley Series in Discrete Mathematics and Optimization) (Hardcover)

I found this book very enjoyable to read. Although the underlying theme of the book is to demonstrate examples of proofs of existence of a property of a finite structure by showing the structure must have the property with positive probabiltiy, the book goes beyond this to cover areas such as circuit complexity and discrepancy theory that rely heavily on probabilistic arguments. A must read for anyone who wants to add probablistic tools to their toolbox for proving things about discrete structures.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love, love, love this book..., September 8, 2005

By 

anon "anon" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Probabilistic Method (Wiley Series in Discrete Mathematics and Optimization) (Hardcover)

I happen to love studying probability theory and the probabilistic method and this is the book I come to time and time again. It is well organized and provides great, straightforward, insightful explanations. However, its main strength is its wealth of beautiful (fairly recently) results (in varied fields) which show the method coming to life. Can't recommend this enough...