In this fully revised second edition of Understanding Probability, the reader can learn about the world of probability in an informal way. The author demystifies the law of large numbers, betting systems, random walks, the bootstrap, rare events, the central limit theorem, the Bayesian approach and more. This second edition has wider coverage, more explanations and examples and exercises, and a new chapter introducing Markov chains, making it a great choice for a first probability course. But its easy-going style makes it just as valuable if you want to learn about the subject on your own, and high school algebra is really all the mathematical background you need.
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Editorial Reviews
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"An excellent book for the study of basic probability events... This book is an excellent choice for advanced courses in probability for math majors who have completed the calculus sequence."
Charles Ashbacher, Journal of Recreational Mathematics
Charles Ashbacher, Journal of Recreational Mathematics
Book Description
Using examples from lotteries and casino games, the author of this accessible book demystifies much of probability theory, including betting systems and the central limit theorem. This fully revised second edition has been expanded considerably, with more explanations, examples and exercises providing all the material taught in an introductory probability course.
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36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Henk Tijms is one of the world's leading experts in applied probability. This book is a wonderful introduction to probability theory. The second half of book a requires basic differntial calculus but beyond that only high school algebra is required. First half of book motivates probabilistic thinking through many fascinating examples and problems. Second half of book fills in the rigor. What sets the book apart is that unlike most books every problem and example are interesting. Another excellent feature is the fact that simulation is used throughout to develop probabilistic inttiution. All in all a wonderful book.
I write textbooks in the field but several examples in the book (such as Poisson approximation to the famous birthday problem) taught me some new tricks!
I write textbooks in the field but several examples in the book (such as Poisson approximation to the famous birthday problem) taught me some new tricks!
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Mathemat
Format:Paperback
I am a physician who uses probabilty and statistics in research and I am always interested in finding textbooks that are such effective teaching instruments that they are suitable for self-study. Unfortunately work has prevented me from finishing this book for now and so my comments are based on an incomplete reading of the book but my initial impression was positive and I thought it was worth sharing. But it is one of the best books I have found. It is a nice balance between mathematical rigor and expository writing and I very much appreciated historical anecdotes that come in handy when one wonders if one has what it takes to finish the book and master the subject-specifically how Leibniz had difficulty calculating the probability of rolling a certain number with dice. I was particularky impressed because I had a very negative impression of some of the "classics" that will remain unnamed that are undoubtedly super colelctions of information and concepts but rather poor vehicals of instruction. I have to admit that I definitely prefer a more expository style in which the author is really speaking to you. The "high-density" books are not for me. So I very much appreciated professor Tijms expository approach.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Highly recommended.
I could not put this book down. Working through the colorful problems in this book is a great way to learn and apply basic probability principles. I've have never seen a probability book with such good examples.
I could not put this book down. Working through the colorful problems in this book is a great way to learn and apply basic probability principles. I've have never seen a probability book with such good examples.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book
This book is well worth its money, and indeed all you need is high school algebra and some basic calculus.
Henk Tjims wrote indeed a perfect book, which are rare to find. Read more
Henk Tjims wrote indeed a perfect book, which are rare to find. Read more
Published 15 months ago by BookCritic
5.0 out of 5 stars
for math majors
The back of the book says "high school algebra is really all the mathematical background you need" and "for students undertaking a first course in probability". Read more
Published on August 17, 2010 by FeFiFoFu
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent introduction to probability for the mathematically...
While the examples illustrating probability are taken from everyday life, they are not presented at a level that the general reader can understand. Read more
Published on September 23, 2008 by Charles Ashbacher
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just what I needed
This was a textbook for a class. It is just what I needed at almost half the price.
Published on February 23, 2008 by Frank Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great introduction to probability
This book very clearly explains why probability works and how to apply it. The first six chapters help the beginner develop a "feel for probabilities", using wonderful examples... Read more
Published on December 29, 2004 by H. Groenevelt
4.0 out of 5 stars
A delightful introduction to probability
A pleasant surprise; a book that makes technical ideas (probability theory) easy to understand. Most books on probability give you lots of equations, but they don't tell you how to... Read more
Published on December 27, 2004 by Bukowski
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book
This is the book for understanding and learning probability! I used this lively introduction to probability in class and I found it a pleasure to read it. Read more
Published on December 8, 2004 by Ad Ridder
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