Elementary Probability for Applications

by Rick Durrett

This clear and lively introduction to probability theory concentrates on the results that are the most useful for applications, including combinatorial probability and Markov chains. Concise and focused, it is designed for a one-semester introductory course in probability for students who have some familiarity with basic calculus. Reflecting the author's philosophy that the best way to learn probability is to see it in action, there are more than 350 problems and 200 examples. The examples contain all the old standards such as the birthday problem and Monty Hall, but also include a number of applications not found in other books, from areas as broad ranging as genetics, sports, finance, and inventory management.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2009

Reviews

[Samuel Bosley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good selection of unique problems is included at the end of each chapter. However, there are many mathematical mistakes in the solutions section. Also, many of the problem set ups are more than a little dated. Problems involving gambling, fraternity parties and sports are too frequent and not balanced by other contexts. Perhaps most importantly, the examples and proofs provided will not be helpful, at all, to the vast majority of undergrads. There are very few worked examples, visuals or verbal descriptions of what can be very involved steps. Overall, this is a good resource for a variety of problems, as long as you are able to generate the solutions yourself, otherwise very limited value as a learning tool.

[Joey Elsisi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Difficult textbook questions that in some cases were worded poorly, no worked out solutions and answers to only odd problems. The lazy skipping of steps in examples makes it hard to learn the material without an instructor. This textbook is riddled with errors and shouldn't be used.