Probabilistic methods have become a vital tool in the arsenal of every combinatorialist. The theory of random graphs is still a prime area for the use of probabilistic methods, and, over the years, these methods have also proved of paramount importance in many associated areas such as the design and analysis of computer algorithms. In recent years, probabilistic combinatorics has undergone revolutionary changes as the result of the appearance of some exciting new techniques such as martingale inequalities, discrete isoperimetric inequalities, Fourier analysis on groups, eigenvalue techniques, branching processes, and rapidly mixing Markov chains. The aim of this volume is to review briefly the classical results in the theory of random graphs and to present several of the important recent developments in probabilistic combinatorics, together with some applications. The first paper contains a brief introduction to the theory of random graphs. The second paper reviews explicit constructions of random-like graphs and discusses graphs having a variety of useful properties. Isoperimetric inequalities, of paramount importance in probabilistic combinatorics, are covered in the third paper. The chromatic number of random graphs is presented in the fourth paper, together with a beautiful inequality due to Janson and the important and powerful Stein-Chen method for Poisson approximation. The aim of the fifth paper is to present a number of powerful new methods for proving that a Markov chain is "rapidly mixing" and to survey various related questions, while the sixth paper looks at the same topic in a very different context. For the random walk on the cube, the convergence to the stable distribution is best analysed through Fourier analysis; the final paper examines this topic and proceeds to several more sophisticated applications. Open problems can be found throughout each paper.

Probabilistic methods have become a vital tool in the arsenal of every combinatorialist. The theory of random graphs is still a prime area for the use of probabilistic methods, and, over the years, these methods have also proved of paramount importance in many associated areas such as the design and analysis of computer algorithms. In recent years, probabilistic combinatorics has undergone revolutionary changes as the result of the appearance of some exciting new techniques such as martingale inequalities, discrete isoperimetric inequalities, Fourier analysis on groups, eigenvalue techniques, branching processes, and rapidly mixing Markov chains. The aim of this volume is to review briefly the classical results in the theory of random graphs and to present several of the important recent developments in probabilistic combinatorics, together with some applications.

Praise for the Third Edition “Researchers of any kind of extremal combinatorics or theoretical computer science will welcome the new edition of this book.” - MAA Reviews Maintaining a standard of excellence that establishes The Probabilistic Method as the leading reference on probabilistic methods in combinatorics, the Fourth Edition continues to feature a clear writing style, illustrative examples, and illuminating exercises. The new edition includes numerous updates to reflect the most recent developments and advances in discrete mathematics and the connections to other areas in mathematics, theoretical computer science, and statistical physics. Emphasizing the methodology and techniques that enable problem-solving, The Probabilistic Method, Fourth Edition begins with a description of tools applied to probabilistic arguments, including basic techniques that use expectation and variance as well as the more advanced applications of martingales and correlation inequalities. The authors explore where probabilistic techniques have been applied successfully and also examine topical coverage such as discrepancy and random graphs, circuit complexity, computational geometry, and derandomization of randomized algorithms. Written by two well-known authorities in the field, the Fourth Edition features: Additional exercises throughout with hints and solutions to select problems in an appendix to help readers obtain a deeper understanding of the best methods and techniques New coverage on topics such as the Local Lemma, Six Standard Deviations result in Discrepancy Theory, Property B, and graph limits Updated sections to reflect major developments on the newest topics, discussions of the hypergraph container method, and many new references and improved results The Probabilistic Method, Fourth Edition is an ideal textbook for upper-undergraduate and graduate-level students majoring in mathematics, computer science, operations research, and statistics. The Fourth Edition is also an excellent reference for researchers and combinatorists who use probabilistic methods, discrete mathematics, and number theory. Noga Alon, PhD, is Baumritter Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Tel Aviv University. He is a member of the Israel National Academy of Sciences and Academia Europaea. A coeditor of the journal Random Structures and Algorithms, Dr. Alon is the recipient of the Polya Prize, The Gödel Prize, The Israel Prize, and the EMET Prize. Joel H. Spencer, PhD, is Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at the Courant Institute of New York University. He is the cofounder and coeditor of the journal Random Structures and Algorithms and is a Sloane Foundation Fellow. Dr. Spencer has written more than 200 published articles and is the coauthor of Ramsey Theory, Second Edition, also published by Wiley.

The leading reference on probabilistic methods in combinatorics-now expanded and updated When it was first published in 1991, The Probabilistic Method became instantly the standard reference on one of the most powerful and widely used tools in combinatorics. Still without competition nearly a decade later, this new edition brings you up to speed on recent developments, while adding useful exercises and over 30% new material. It continues to emphasize the basic elements of the methodology, discussing in a remarkably clear and informal style both algorithmic and classical methods as well as modern applications. The Probabilistic Method, Second Edition begins with basic techniques that use expectation and variance, as well as the more recent martingales and correlation inequalities, then explores areas where probabilistic techniques proved successful, including discrepancy and random graphs as well as cutting-edge topics in theoretical computer science. A series of proofs, or "probabilistic lenses," are interspersed throughout the book, offering added insight into the application of the probabilistic approach. New and revised coverage includes: * Several improved as well as new results * A continuous approach to discrete probabilistic problems * Talagrand's Inequality and other novel concentration results * A discussion of the connection between discrepancy and VC-dimension * Several combinatorial applications of the entropy function and its properties * A new section on the life and work of Paul Erdös-the developer of the probabilistic method

Leave nothing to chance. This cliche embodies the common belief that ran domness has no place in carefully planned methodologies, every step should be spelled out, each i dotted and each t crossed. In discrete mathematics at least, nothing could be further from the truth. Introducing random choices into algorithms can improve their performance. The application of proba bilistic tools has led to the resolution of combinatorial problems which had resisted attack for decades. The chapters in this volume explore and celebrate this fact. Our intention was to bring together, for the first time, accessible discus sions of the disparate ways in which probabilistic ideas are enriching discrete mathematics. These discussions are aimed at mathematicians with a good combinatorial background but require only a passing acquaintance with the basic definitions in probability (e.g. expected value, conditional probability). A reader who already has a firm grasp on the area will be interested in the original research, novel syntheses, and discussions of ongoing developments scattered throughout the book. Some of the most convincing demonstrations of the power of these tech niques are randomized algorithms for estimating quantities which are hard to compute exactly. One example is the randomized algorithm of Dyer, Frieze and Kannan for estimating the volume of a polyhedron. To illustrate these techniques, we consider a simple related problem. Suppose S is some region of the unit square defined by a system of polynomial inequalities: Pi (x. y) ~ o.

Probabilistic and combinatorial techniques are often used for solving advanced problems. This book describes different probabilistic modeling methods and their applications in various areas, such as artificial intelligence, offshore platforms, social networks, and others. It aims to educate how modern probabilistic and combinatorial models may be created to formalize uncertainties; to train how new probabilistic models can be generated for the systems of complex structures; to describe the correct use of the presented models for rational control in systems creation and operation; and to demonstrate analytical possibilities and practical effects for solving different system problems on each life cycle stage.