Probability Theory and Combinatorial Optimization (CBMS-NSF Regional Conference Series in Applied Mathematics) [Paperback]

J. Michael Steele (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0898713803 | ISBN-13: 978-0898713800 | Publication Date: January 1, 1987

This monograph provides an introduction to the state of the art of the probability theory that is most directly applicable to combinatorial optimization. The questions that receive the most attention are those that deal with discrete optimization problems for points in Euclidean space, such as the minimum spanning tree, the traveling-salesman tour, and minimal-length matchings. Still, there are several nongeometric optimization problems that receive full treatment, and these include the problems of the longest common subsequence and the longest increasing subsequence. The philosophy that guides the exposition is that analysis of concrete problems is the most effective way to explain even the most general methods or abstract principles.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

An introduction to the state of the art of the probability theory most applicable to combinatorial optimization. The questions that receive the most attention are those that deal with discrete optimization problems for points in Euclidean space, such as the minimum spanning tree, the traveling-salesman tour, and minimal-length matchings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 167 pages
• Publisher: Society for Industrial Mathematics (January 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898713803
• ISBN-13: 978-0898713800
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,875,200 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book, July 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Probability Theory and Combinatorial Optimization (CBMS-NSF Regional Conference Series in Applied Mathematics) (Paperback)

My special field is neither statistics nor math. My reading this book was for research purpose. I enjoyed reading it, though it contains a few of "printing" mistakes.

The chapter 6 is somehow hard-to-find. I believe Talagrand's isoperimetric theory has wide range of applications. But it is not easy to read his original article (which, besides, is more than 100-page long). The chapter gives a very informative introduction to the theory.