An Introduction To Probability And Stochastic Processes

These notes were written as a result of my having taught a "nonmeasure theoretic" course in probability and stochastic processes a few times at the Weizmann Institute in Israel. I have tried to follow two principles. The first is to prove things "probabilistically" whenever possible without recourse to other branches of mathematics and in a notation that is as "probabilistic" as possible. Thus, for example, the asymptotics of pn for large n, where P is a stochastic matrix, is developed in Section V by using passage probabilities and hitting times rather than, say, pulling in Perron Frobenius theory or spectral analysis. Similarly in Section II the joint normal distribution is studied through conditional expectation rather than quadratic forms. The second principle I have tried to follow is to only prove results in their simple forms and to try to eliminate any minor technical com putations from proofs, so as to expose the most important steps. Steps in proofs or derivations that involve algebra or basic calculus are not shown; only steps involving, say, the use of independence or a dominated convergence argument or an assumptjon in a theorem are displayed. For example, in proving inversion formulas for characteristic functions I omit steps involving evaluation of basic trigonometric integrals and display details only where use is made of Fubini's Theorem or the Dominated Convergence Theorem.

An easily accessible, real-world approach to probability and stochastic processes Introduction to Probability and Stochastic Processes with Applications presents a clear, easy-to-understand treatment of probability and stochastic processes, providing readers with a solid foundation they can build upon throughout their careers. With an emphasis on applications in engineering, applied sciences, business and finance, statistics, mathematics, and operations research, the book features numerous real-world examples that illustrate how random phenomena occur in nature and how to use probabilistic techniques to accurately model these phenomena. The authors discuss a broad range of topics, from the basic concepts of probability to advanced topics for further study, including Itô integrals, martingales, and sigma algebras. Additional topical coverage includes: Distributions of discrete and continuous random variables frequently used in applications Random vectors, conditional probability, expectation, and multivariate normal distributions The laws of large numbers, limit theorems, and convergence of sequences of random variables Stochastic processes and related applications, particularly in queueing systems Financial mathematics, including pricing methods such as risk-neutral valuation and the Black-Scholes formula Extensive appendices containing a review of the requisite mathematics and tables of standard distributions for use in applications are provided, and plentiful exercises, problems, and solutions are found throughout. Also, a related website features additional exercises with solutions and supplementary material for classroom use. Introduction to Probability and Stochastic Processes with Applications is an ideal book for probability courses at the upper-undergraduate level. The book is also a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in the fields of engineering, operations research, and computer science who conduct data analysis to make decisions in their everyday work.

Detailed coverage of probability theory, random variables and their functions, stochastic processes, linear system response to stochastic processes, Gaussian and Markov processes, and stochastic differential equations. 1973 edition.

The book covers basic concepts such as random experiments, probability axioms, conditional probability, and counting methods, single and multiple random variables (discrete, continuous, and mixed), as well as moment-generating functions, characteristic functions, random vectors, and inequalities; limit theorems and convergence; introduction to Bayesian and classical statistics; random processes including processing of random signals, Poisson processes, discrete-time and continuous-time Markov chains, and Brownian motion; simulation using MATLAB and R.

A unique approach to stochastic processes that connects the mathematical formulation of random processes to their use in applications This book presents an innovative approach to teaching probability theory and stochastic processes based on the binary expansion of the unit interval. Departing from standard pedagogy, it uses the binary expansion of the unit interval to explicitly construct an infinite sequence of independent random variables (of any given distribution) on a single probability space. This construction then provides the framework to understand the mathematical formulation of probability theory for its use in applications. Features include: The theory is presented first for countable sample spaces (Chapters 1-3) and then for uncountable sample spaces (Chapters 4-18) Coverage of the explicit construction of i.i.d. random variables on a single probability space to explain why it is the distribution function rather than the functional form of random variables that matters when it comes to modeling random phenomena Explicit construction of continuous random variables to facilitate the "digestion" of random variables, i.e., how they are used in contrast to how they are defined Explicit construction of continuous random variables to facilitate the two views of expectation: as integration over the underlying probability space (abstract view) or as integration using the density function (usual view) A discussion of the connections between Bernoulli, geometric, and Poisson processes Incorporation of the Johnson-Nyquist noise model and an explanation of why (and when) it is valid to use a delta function to model its autocovariance Comprehensive, astute, and practical, Introduction to Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes is a clear presentation of essential topics for those studying communications, control, machine learning, digital signal processing, computer networks, pattern recognition, image processing, and coding theory.

This text introduces engineering students to probability theory and stochastic processes. Along with thorough mathematical development of the subject, the book presents intuitive explanations of key points in order to give students the insights they need to apply math to practical engineering problems. The first seven chapters contain the core material that is essential to any introductory course. In one-semester undergraduate courses, instructors can select material from the remaining chapters to meet their individual goals. Graduate courses can cover all chapters in one semester.

A comprehensive and accessible presentation of probability and stochastic processes with emphasis on key theoretical concepts and real-world applications With a sophisticated approach, Probability and Stochastic Processes successfully balances theory and applications in a pedagogical and accessible format. The book’s primary focus is on key theoretical notions in probability to provide a foundation for understanding concepts and examples related to stochastic processes. Organized into two main sections, the book begins by developing probability theory with topical coverage on probability measure; random variables; integration theory; product spaces, conditional distribution, and conditional expectations; and limit theorems. The second part explores stochastic processes and related concepts including the Poisson process, renewal processes, Markov chains, semi-Markov processes, martingales, and Brownian motion. Featuring a logical combination of traditional and complex theories as well as practices, Probability and Stochastic Processes also includes: Multiple examples from disciplines such as business, mathematical finance, and engineering Chapter-by-chapter exercises and examples to allow readers to test their comprehension of the presented material A rigorous treatment of all probability and stochastic processes concepts An appropriate textbook for probability and stochastic processes courses at the upper-undergraduate and graduate level in mathematics, business, and electrical engineering, Probability and Stochastic Processes is also an ideal reference for researchers and practitioners in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and finance.

This text presents selected areas of functional analysis that can facilitate an understanding of ideas in probability and stochastic processes. Topics covered include basic Hilbert and Banach spaces, weak topologies and Banach algebras, and the theory ofsemigroups of bounded linear operators.