This update of the 1987 title of the same name is an examination of what is currently known about the probabilistic method, written by one of its principal developers. Based on the notes from Spencer's 1986 series of ten lectures, this new edition contains an additional lecture: The Janson Inequalities. These inequalities allow accurate approximation of extremely small probabilities. A new algorithmic approach to the Lovasz Local Lemma, attributed to Jozsef Beck, has been added to Lecture 8, as well. Throughout the monograph, Spencer retains the informal style of his original lecture notes and emphasizes the methodology, shunning the more technical "best possible" results in favour of clearer exposition. The book is not encyclopaedic - it contains only those examples that clearly display the methodology. The probabilistic method is a powerful tool in graph theory, combinatorics, and theoretical computer science. It allows one to prove the existence of objects with certain properties (e.g., colourings) by showing that an appropriately defined random object has positive probability of having those properties. Spencer retains the informal style of his original lecture notes and emphasizes the methodology, shunning the more technical "best possible" results in favor of clearer exposition. Topics include: A description via examples of the basic Probabilistic Method and its refinements; Random Graphs; The Lovasz Local Lemma and its recent algorithmic implementations; Discrepancy; Derandomization; Large Deviation Estimates; Martingales; and the recent Janson Inequalities.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

The Reader's Corner is such fun,it's too bad you have to buy our books on line. We have eight foot tall outside bookshelves across the entire front of the store. There is a money slot in the door for night sales, which go to support National Public Radio. Inside, which can be too crowded at times, are surprisingly good books, only 1% are ever listed on-line. We also sell records, music cd's, comic books, mags, computer software and games. Best of all is the found art decorating every spare spot. The motto on the front door: NO SHOOTING, NO SMOKING, NO MOONING THE MANAGEMENT.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Reader's Corner, Inc.
Reader's Corner, Inc, 3201 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC, 27607, U.S.A.

Terms of Sale:

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Paypal or check. Shipping by USPS Priority Mail $6.50 first volume/$4 each add. vol.This is for octavo sized books only, oversize books will be more. USPS bookrate $3.50 first vol/$1.75 each add. vol. (I cover all Dust Jackets with Brodart Mylar protectors).(For EU: Reader's Corner, 3201 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh N.C., 27607, readcorner@aol.com)

Shipping Terms:

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

Check PayPal

Add to Wants

Items related to Ten Lectures on the Probabilistic Method

Ten Lectures on the Probabilistic Method

Spencer, Joel

Used - Soft cover

Seller's business information