Description
Book SynopsisDesigned for the intellectually curious, this book provides a solid foundation in basic probability theory in a charming style, without technical jargon. This text will immerse the reader in a mathematical view of the world, and teach them techniques to solve real-world problems both inside and outside the casino.
Trade Review'Probability is a subject of fundamental importance that's often taught as a dry slog through ball-filled urns. Fat Chance, a snappy and example-rich text, is the perfect antidote and a great choice for a general-audience math course.' Jordan Ellenberg, University of Wisconsin-Madison
'Mathematics is a minority sport. Only very few understand, say, algebraic geometry or ergodic theory, and that's perfectly OK. Yet, probability theory is different. We are surrounded by chance and uncertainty. You cannot be a fully-fledged, functioning twenty-first-century human, whether at work, as a consumer or as an active citizen, without understanding the basic rules that govern chance. This is a book explaining chance and probability to non-mathematicians: accessible, not expecting any prior knowledge - but, there being no free lunch, assuming basic intelligence and an open mind. A small price for great enlightenment.' Arieh Iserles, University of Cambridge
'Fat Chance is a fun and friendly introduction to the big ideas of risk, probability, and uncertainty in our everyday lives and in the world around us. It's written by three of the greatest mathematicians - and teachers - anywhere on the planet. I loved it! And according to my calculations, there's a high probability you'll love it too.' Steven Strogatz, Cornell University, and author of Infinite Powers
'… Fat Chance is an enjoyable small introductory book that, without the pretension of serving as a reference textbook, will certainly help undergraduate students to approach the fascinating world of probability but will also be appreciated by whoever desires to learn the basics through self-education.' Massimo Nespolo, Journal of Applied Crystallography
'The book is an excellent text for anyone looking for a very enjoyable introduction to probability. It can be read on its own or used as a textbook for a math course for non-math majors.' Thomas Hagedorn, MAA Reviews
Table of ContentsPart I. Counting: 1. Simple counting; 2. The multiplication principle; 3. The subtraction principle; 4. Collections; 5. Games of chance; Interlude; 6. The binomial theorem; 7. Advanced counting; Part II. Probability: 8. Expected value; 9. Conditional probability; 10. Unfair coins and loaded dice; 11. Geometric probability; Part III. Probability in the Large: 12. Games and their payoffs; 13. The normal distribution; 14. Don't try this at home.
