Dover Books on Mathematics

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    Concepts of Probability Theory

    Paul E. Pfeiffer

    This approach to the basics of probability theory employs the simple conceptual framework of the Kolmogorov model, a method that comprises both the literature of applications and the literature on pure mathematics. The author also presents a substantial introduction to the idea of a random process. Intended for college juniors and seniors majoring in science, engineering, or mathematics, the book assumes a familiarity with basic calculus.After a brief historical introduction, the text examines a mathematical model for probability, random variables and probability distributions, sums and integrals, mathematical expectation, sequence and sums of random variables, and random processes. Problems with answers conclude each chapter, and six appendixes offer supplementary material. This text provides an excellent background for further study of statistical decision theory, reliability theory, dynamic programming, statistical game theory, coding and information theory, and classical sampling statistics.

    Mathematics for the Nonmathematician

    Morris Kline

    Practical, scientific, philosophical, and artistic problems have caused men to investigate mathematics. But there is one other motive which is as strong as any of these—the search for beauty. Mathematics is an art, and as such affords the pleasures which all the arts afford." In this erudite, entertaining college-level text, Morris Kline, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at New York University, provides the liberal arts student with a detailed treatment of mathematics in a cultural and historical context. The book can also act as a self-study vehicle for advanced high school students and laymen. Professor Kline begins with an overview, tracing the development of mathematics to the ancient Greeks, and following its evolution through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the present day. Subsequent chapters focus on specific subject areas, such as «Logic and Mathematics,» «Number: The Fundamental Concept,» «Parametric Equations and Curvilinear Motion,» «The Differential Calculus,» and «The Theory of Probability.» Each of these sections offers a step-by-step explanation of concepts and then tests the student's understanding with exercises and problems. At the same time, these concepts are linked to pure and applied science, engineering, philosophy, the social sciences or even the arts.In one section, Professor Kline discusses non-Euclidean geometry, ranking it with evolution as one of the «two concepts which have most profoundly revolutionized our intellectual development since the nineteenth century.» His lucid treatment of this difficult subject starts in the 1800s with the pioneering work of Gauss, Lobachevsky, Bolyai and Riemann, and moves forward to the theory of relativity, explaining the mathematical, scientific and philosophical aspects of this pivotal breakthrough. Mathematics for the Nonmathematician exemplifies Morris Kline's rare ability to simplify complex subjects for the nonspecialist.

    Write Your Own Proofs

    Amy Babich

    Written by a pair of math teachers and based on their classroom notes and experiences, this introductory treatment of theory, proof techniques, and related concepts is designed for undergraduate courses. No knowledge of calculus is assumed, making it a useful text for students at many levels. The focus is on teaching students to prove theorems and write mathematical proofs so that others can read them.Since proving theorems takes lots of practice, this text is designed to provide plenty of exercises. The authors break the theorems into pieces and walk readers through examples, encouraging them to use mathematical notation and write proofs themselves. Topics include propositional logic, set notation, basic set theory proofs, relations, functions, induction, countability, and some combinatorics, including a small amount of probability. The text is ideal for courses in discrete mathematics or logic and set theory, and its accessibility makes the book equally suitable for classes in mathematics for liberal arts students or courses geared toward proof writing in mathematics.