Elements of Probability & Statistics
Elements of Probability & Statistics
This lecture sequence begins with a discussion of what probability theory is and what the word probability means. Probability theory is, in the most basic sense, a branch of mathematics. We begin with some axioms. We consider models that satisfy these axioms and derive some consequences, which serve as the theorems of this theory. Probability, at the very least, provides us with some guidelines for thinking systematically about uncertain situations. And if our probability model, has some relationship with the real world, then probability theory can be a very useful tool for making real-world predictions and decisions.