A First Course in Probability by Ross

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SUMMARY

Sheldon Ross's "A First Course in Probability" is a foundational text for understanding probability theory, particularly useful for engineering students. The 3rd edition, utilized in a sophomore course, provides a solid mix of theory and practical examples, facilitating a working knowledge of the subject. The recently released 9th edition is only 15% longer than the previous version, maintaining a concise format without excessive content inflation. However, the pricing of the new edition at $145 is deemed excessive by some readers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of probability theory
  • Familiarity with mathematical proofs
  • Experience with problem-solving in engineering contexts
  • Knowledge of statistical concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced probability concepts in "Probability and Random Processes" by Papoulis
  • Study statistical inference techniques using "Statistical Inference" by Casella and Berger
  • Review practical applications of probability in engineering through case studies
  • Investigate online courses on probability theory for additional resources
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering disciplines, educators teaching probability courses, and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of probability theory will benefit from this discussion.

For those who have used this book

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I know the 3rd edition - it was the book my sophomore "probability for engineers" course was based on. At the time I thought it was a good book, with plenty of theory and lots of examples so the reader could pick and chose which ones were helpful. I'm sure we skipped the more difficult proofs, and I'm sure we didn't do the hardest problems in the book, but I know that I gained a working knowledge of probability. Years later I used this book as the first part of my "probability review" I undertook on my own once I was in the workforce and needed better fluency with the material, and I thought Ross was great as far as basic probability is concerned.

Are there better books around? Probably. But Ross is reasonable. Now there is a 9th edition out, which (surprisingly) only about 15% longer, so hasn't suffered the extreme bloating many books have. The price of the new edition is outrageous, though. The book is not worth $145 in my opinion, no matter how much better it is than he 3rd edition.

jason
 

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