The book is an introduction to modern probability theory written by one of the famous experts in this area. Readers will learn about the basic concepts of probability and its applications, preparing them for more advanced and specialized works.

Probability theory

The nature of probability theory. The sample space. Elements of combinatorial analysis. Fluctuations in coin tossing and random walks. Combination of events. Conditional probability, stochastic independence. The binomial and the Poisson distributions. The Normal approximation to the binomial distribution. Unlimited sequences of Bernoulli trials. Random variables, expectation. Laws of large numbers. Integral valued variables, generating functions. Compound distributions. Branching processes. Recurrent events. Renewal theory. Random walk and ruin problems. Markov chains. Algebraic treatment of finite Markov chains. The simplest time-dependent stochastic processes. Answer to problems. Index.

The book is an introduction to modern probability theory written by one of the famous experts in this area. Readers will learn about the basic concepts of probability and its applications, preparing them for more advanced and specialized works.

This is the first comprehensive treatment of the three basic symmetries of probability theory—contractability, exchangeability, and rotatability—defined as invariance in distribution under contractions, permutations, and rotations. Originating with the pioneering work of de Finetti from the 1930's, the theory has evolved into a unique body of deep, beautiful, and often surprising results, comprising the basic representations and invariance properties in one and several dimensions, and exhibiting some unexpected links between the various symmetries as well as to many other areas of modern probability. Most chapters require only some basic, graduate level probability theory, and should be accessible to any serious researchers and graduate students in probability and statistics. Parts of the book may also be of interest to pure and applied mathematicians in other areas. The exposition is formally self-contained, with detailed references provided for any deeper facts from real analysis or probability used in the book. Olav Kallenberg received his Ph.D. in 1972 from Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden. After teaching for many years at Swedish universities, he moved in 1985 to the US, where he is currently Professor of Mathematics at Auburn University. He is well known for his previous books Random Measures (4th edition, 1986) and Foundations of Modern Probability (2nd edition, 2002) and for numerous research papers in all areas of probability. In 1977, he was the second recipient ever of the prestigious Rollo Davidson Prize from Cambridge University. In 1991–94, he served as the Editor in Chief of Probability Theory and Related Fields. Professor Kallenberg is an elected fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics.

Mathematical probability theory is especially interesting to scientists and engineers. It introduces probability theory, showing how probability problems can be formulated mathematically to systematically attack routine methods. Topics include independence and dependence, probability laws and random variables. Over 500 exercises, an appendix of useful tables and answers to odd-numbered questions are also included.

This work thoroughly covers the concepts and main results of probability theory, from its fundamental principles to advanced applications. This edition provides examples early in the text of practical problems such as the safety of a piece of engineering equipment or the inevitability of wrong conclusions in seemingly accurate medical tests for AIDS and cancer.;College or university bookstores may order five or more copies at a special student price which is available upon request from Marcel Dekker, Inc.

The classic text for understanding complex statistical probability An Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications offers comprehensive explanations to complex statistical problems. Delving deep into densities and distributions while relating critical formulas, processes and approaches, this rigorous text provides a solid grounding in probability with practice problems throughout. Heavy on application without sacrificing theory, the discussion takes the time to explain difficult topics and how to use them. This new second edition includes new material related to the substitution of probabilistic arguments for combinatorial artifices as well as new sections on branching processes, Markov chains, and the DeMoivre-Laplace theorem.