Classic Problems of Probability

Detailing the history of probability, this book examines the classic problems of probability that have shaped the field and emphasizes problems that are counter-intuitive by nature. Classic Problems of Probability is rich in the hostory of probability while keeping the explanations and discussions as accessible as possible. Each of 35 presented problems end with a listing of the latest relevant publications on the topic, and the author provides detailed and rigorous mathematical proofs as needed. For example, in the discussion of the Buffon needle problem, readers will find much more than the conventional discussion found in other books on the topic. The author discusses alternative proofs by Barbier that lead to much more profound and general results. The choice of random variables for which a uniform distribution is possible is also presented, which then naturally leads to a discussion on invariance. Likewise, the discussion of Bertrand's chord paradox involves much more than stating there are three well-known possible solutions to the problems; rather, the athor discusses the implications of the indeterminacy of the problem as well as the contributions made by Poincare and Jaynes. This approach was used for all of the problems in the book.

Prakash Gorroochurn, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at Columbia University, where he is also a statistical consultant in the School of Social Work. Dr. Gorroochurn has published extensively in his areas of research interest, which include mathematical population genetics and genetic epidemiology.