Recent content by devinedj

An example: Both conceptually and computationally it is easier to see that 2.5 * 5.2 = 13 than it is to see 13 / 5.2 = 2.5 In programming too: division loops take more CPU resources than multiplication loops. Why is this?

I don't have much knowledge of Martingales but the 4th condition guarantees that the distribution of each subsequent random variable, X_{n+1} is centered around X_n in F_n. As an example, let our random variable X_n represent the position after n steps in a one-dimensional random walk. The...

Not sure if I exactly understand your question but I'll take a stab. n represents the number of consecutive (2^m)th notes [m=4 for 16th notes] in your musical phrase. A(n) = T(n) - 1 is the number of possible rhythms in that phrase, where beats can be subdivided 2^m times at most. Eg, if one...

And yes, n represents the number of 16th notes so n=64 is 8 measures of 2:4 time.

This looks right. Gives $k_1 = \frac{5+sqrt{5}}{10}$. With $T_n = k_1 r_1^n + k_2 r_2^n$ we find that $T_n = \{2, 5, 13, 34, 89, 233, 610, 1597, 4181, 10946, ...\}$ See Wolfram

Locrian, thanks for the response. To answer your question – no, there is nothing inherently inspiring about statistics (nor many other purely academic disciplines, for that matter). I’m drawn to graduate studies in math because I am stimulated by the challenge, beauty, and application of...

Good info. Thanks for the added perspective and wisdom. It’s reassuring to know that the majority of your encounters in the field have been with upstanding, ethical people. I suppose there is a large self-selection bias between pharma-reps and biostatisticians to begin with. I’m interested in...

@chiro: that sounds like some deeply-rooted social doping that you're talking about. Good stuff to contemplate and take to heart. I'm just a young soul looking for purpose in this mixed up world. @StatGuy: I have a feeling that my experiences are somewhat skewed by the nature of the math...

Thanks for your input, StatGuy. My interest in the field of statistics is based on my conception that it is heavily in demand and widely applicable. Being somewhat aimless, these ideas appeal to me by assuring me that I will be able to find something that I consider to be ‘purposeful’ even...

Your points are well taken and consistent with my experiences as well. Unfortunately I think that mathematics, as a field based in concrete logic, lends itself especially well to these superiority complexes (see cartoon). On a larger scale: ideally, yes, individuals will pursue the career to...

What's out there for an MA/PhD in Stat?? I'm in search of direction. My undergrad was in Math at a liberal arts institution. As such my studies in Math are based in theory. I have come to appreciate and revere the structure, challenge and beauty of higher mathematics. On the flip side, I...

Thanks for the response, chiro. In many ways your questions are illuminating to the underlying problems that I'm facing in making this decision. My undergrad education was at a liberal arts college and provided little opportunity for career counseling or even a look into applications of...

I'll offer a digest version of my earlier post that appeals to shorter attention spans. I'm considering the pursuit of a graduate degree in statistics. My CV in a nutshell: Math Major: 3.6 GPA (in major) GRE: 159 V / 167 Q Research experience: Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS)...

shameless bump.

In May I graduated from a small liberal arts college with a Bachelors in Math (3.6/4) and in Economics (3.8/4). In July I shipped off to Vietnam where I am currently teaching HS Math at a large private school in Hanoi. I took a last minute GRE before I left and scored reasonably well IMO (V 159...