The Probability Handbook

Book excerpt: Probability is tough – even those fairly well versed in statistical analysis balk at the prospect of tackling it. Many probability concepts seem counterintuitive at first, and the successful student must in effect train him or herself to think in a totally new way. Mastery of probability takes a lot of time, and only comes from solving many, many problems. The aim of this text and its companion, The Probability Workbook (coming soon), is to present the subject of probability as a tutor would. Probability concepts are explained in everyday language and worked examples are presented in abundance. In addition to paper-and-pencil solutions, solution strategies using Microsoft Excel functions are given. All mathematical symbols are explained, and the mathematical rigor is kept on an algebra level; calculus is avoided. This book is written for quality practitioners who are currently performing statistical and probability analyses in their workplaces, and for those seeking to learn probability concepts for the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Engineer, Reliability Engineer, Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt exams.