Probabilistic Methods in Combinatorics

by Paul Erdős, Joel Spencer

Combinatorial probabilities.

Genres: Mathematics

106 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a nice introduction to probabilistic methods of proof and how they’re used in a combinatorial setting. Although some of the results may be dated now, there’s a wide range of topics covered, making it clear how we can use the powerful non-constructive method of proof. I would definitely recommend having an undergraduate level of understanding in both probability theory and combinatorics, the authors have an engaging and often humorous prose, making this a must-read book for the avid mathematician.

[Nick Black]

Long out of print, Erdős and Spencer's classic "blue book" introduced the elegantly powerful probabilistic method of construction, absolutely critical to analysis of randomized algorithms and a regular surprise guest in all manner of scattered proofs. I really ought go find an ebook of this and read it sometime; the book itself would be a nice find, but I don't expect to see it below $100 anytime soon, sigh.