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Basic Probability Theory with Applications

Mario Lefebvre
Publisher: 
Springer
Publication Date: 
2009
Number of Pages: 
340
Format: 
Hardcover
Series: 
Springer Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics and Technology
Price: 
69.95
ISBN: 
9780387749945
Category: 
Textbook
[Reviewed by
Charles Ashbacher
, on
11/17/2009
]

This book’s introductory sections on probability theory are typical of most textbooks in the content of presentation: a review of calculus, the rules of basic probability, random variables, coverage of the most important discrete and continuous distributions and random vectors. There are many examples with detailed solutions and a large number of exercises are included at the ends of the chapters. The exercises are placed into three categories, “solved exercises”, exercises and multiple-choice questions. Solutions to all the “solved exercises” appear in appendix C. The final three chapters cover reliability, queueing theory and time series analysis.

The coverage is specific enough in the mathematical sense that this book could be used as a textbook in probability theory for math majors. The only prerequisite is the basic two-semester sequence of differential and integral calculus. Furthermore, the coverage is broad enough in the applied sense that it can also be used as a textbook for engineers, computer scientists and with a little additional mathematical preparation, students in economics and finance will be able to understand it. This book would be my choice for a textbook if I were to teach a course in probability theory for math majors.


Charles Ashbacher splits his time between consulting with industry in projects involving math and computers, teaching college classes and co-editing The Journal of Recreational Mathematics. In his spare time, he reads about these things and helps his daughter in her lawn care business.